(New) WORKSHOP: Redefining Who You Are
DAY 1: ceoMom Workshop on Redefining Yourself
on the job training for the executive domesticBecoming a parent changes everything. From the moment you hold your baby in your arms for the first time, life takes on different meaning and for many moms their worlds get turned up-side-down too. Raising a child takes everything you’ve got. And often what you thought you knew, you find out you didn’t have a clue after all. Simply put: as your child grows, you too change.
During this Workshop, we’ll be discussing these changes and how to develop your new self without any more growing pains. If you’re here, you’ve probably already felt some of them. In fact, many moms, from post-pregnancy hormones to the experience of major life changes, go through a period of depression. It is important to note the symptoms of depression and to see if you perhaps have this or have had this condition, which is so prevalent among moms.
Symptoms of Mom Depression:
• Constant sadness
• Irritability
• Hopelessness
• Unmotivated
• Trouble sleeping
• Low energy or fatigue
• Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason
• Significant weight change
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Anxiety/panic attacks
• Not being able to control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
• Wondering who you are now
Note: If you have ANY thoughts about dying or harming your child, seek professional help immediately.
Why does having children cause so many women to suffer when they are so filled with love at the same time? There are several reasons. First, as noted above, your body goes through many hormone changes after delivering a baby. Hormones quickly leave your system and the effects of this can last months and even longer. You can easily research “Postpartum Depression” to see if you are a candidate.
For others, feelings of depression or just not feeling yourself can occur because of a seemingly simple thing such as lack of sleep. Mothers know how much your sleep changes after having a baby. One mother overwhelmed, depressed and beside herself went to her doctor three months after having her second baby. The doctor’s diagnosis: Lack of sleep. Another mom once said: “I can handle anything my children can dish out so long as I have enough sleep in me.” Sleep is the culprit in much of our growing pains.
And yet other reasons for feeling the baby blues include feeling less attractive, a lack of free time, doubts about your ability to be a good mother, stress from changes in work schedules, overwhelmed with the new baby’s needs and, of course, LOSS OF WHO YOU WERE BEFORE HAVING THE BABY.
This is what we will be discussing next: The loss of who you once were and how to come out of this the woman you dream of. So get a good night’s rest! We'll chat tomorrow.
Love,
ceoMom 101
During this Workshop, we’ll be discussing these changes and how to develop your new self without any more growing pains. If you’re here, you’ve probably already felt some of them. In fact, many moms, from post-pregnancy hormones to the experience of major life changes, go through a period of depression. It is important to note the symptoms of depression and to see if you perhaps have this or have had this condition, which is so prevalent among moms.
Symptoms of Mom Depression:
• Constant sadness
• Irritability
• Hopelessness
• Unmotivated
• Trouble sleeping
• Low energy or fatigue
• Feeling worthless or guilty for no reason
• Significant weight change
• Difficulty concentrating
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
• Anxiety/panic attacks
• Not being able to control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
• Wondering who you are now
Note: If you have ANY thoughts about dying or harming your child, seek professional help immediately.
Why does having children cause so many women to suffer when they are so filled with love at the same time? There are several reasons. First, as noted above, your body goes through many hormone changes after delivering a baby. Hormones quickly leave your system and the effects of this can last months and even longer. You can easily research “Postpartum Depression” to see if you are a candidate.
For others, feelings of depression or just not feeling yourself can occur because of a seemingly simple thing such as lack of sleep. Mothers know how much your sleep changes after having a baby. One mother overwhelmed, depressed and beside herself went to her doctor three months after having her second baby. The doctor’s diagnosis: Lack of sleep. Another mom once said: “I can handle anything my children can dish out so long as I have enough sleep in me.” Sleep is the culprit in much of our growing pains.
And yet other reasons for feeling the baby blues include feeling less attractive, a lack of free time, doubts about your ability to be a good mother, stress from changes in work schedules, overwhelmed with the new baby’s needs and, of course, LOSS OF WHO YOU WERE BEFORE HAVING THE BABY.
This is what we will be discussing next: The loss of who you once were and how to come out of this the woman you dream of. So get a good night’s rest! We'll chat tomorrow.
Love,
ceoMom 101
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DAY 2: ceoMom Workshop on Redefining Yourself
on the job training for the executive domesticWhether or not you have symptoms of depression, your life will change after having children. The juggling act begins and before you know it, the balls come crashing down. You will start to ask questions such as: “Who am I?” “Where did my life go?” “What kind of mom do I want to be?” Realizing change is inevitable, you begin to soul-search redefining the new you.
We are intuitively connected to our children. We instinctively give our entire selves to the nurturing and development of our offspring. Some say it is because our body chemistry changes, reprograms our brains and inspires a deep connection only known to mothers. Regardless, we see our children as a literal extension of ourselves. They carry our genetic code, have the same color eyes and we believe they can accomplish all that we have not. Simply put: We live through them. In this we see our lives at stake too. This is why we are so protective; why we would do anything for our children – even give every ounce of our own livelihood to ensure their happiness and success (because then we can also ensure our own, vicariously through them).
We unconsciously define ourselves by way of our children. In an attempt to inflate our own egos, we put our children in dozens of activities and programs hoping they will find ultimate success, for when they succeed, we succeed. This unconscious ego-driven philosophy deprives our children from discovering their own inner voice and puts unduly pressure on them to succeed in your eyes.
We do this because we have given up on ourselves. It’s so much easier to cheer on someone else, then to find the courage to try ourselves. There was a time, however, when you did have hopes. If you were fortunate, you even had your own cheering squad. But nothing compares to the inner voice that encourages and motivates you. This positive self-talk is what you want your children to develop – that inner strength that uplifts and carries one through life. You can be the cheerleader for your kids, but you simply cannot be that voice; nor can you give them your inner voice. So then how does a mother help her child to discover this inner strength? By developing it in herself first.
Before having children, if we allowed ourselves enough time to develop our inner strength, we called the shots, had dreams, enjoyed a getaway weekend, had a career, felt inspired by life and sought to experience happiness. We tried new things and didn’t have to call it a “hobby” – we just did what we loved to do as much as possible. In transferring our lives over to our children, we have given up our playfulness with life and quite frankly our control.
We are always much more powerful when we are centered with a strong sense of self; when our own inner voice is alive within us. This is how you inspire your children without losing yourself in the process. Tomorrow we discuss just how to balance these two worlds of connection and freedom.
Love,
ceoMom 101
We are intuitively connected to our children. We instinctively give our entire selves to the nurturing and development of our offspring. Some say it is because our body chemistry changes, reprograms our brains and inspires a deep connection only known to mothers. Regardless, we see our children as a literal extension of ourselves. They carry our genetic code, have the same color eyes and we believe they can accomplish all that we have not. Simply put: We live through them. In this we see our lives at stake too. This is why we are so protective; why we would do anything for our children – even give every ounce of our own livelihood to ensure their happiness and success (because then we can also ensure our own, vicariously through them).
We unconsciously define ourselves by way of our children. In an attempt to inflate our own egos, we put our children in dozens of activities and programs hoping they will find ultimate success, for when they succeed, we succeed. This unconscious ego-driven philosophy deprives our children from discovering their own inner voice and puts unduly pressure on them to succeed in your eyes.
We do this because we have given up on ourselves. It’s so much easier to cheer on someone else, then to find the courage to try ourselves. There was a time, however, when you did have hopes. If you were fortunate, you even had your own cheering squad. But nothing compares to the inner voice that encourages and motivates you. This positive self-talk is what you want your children to develop – that inner strength that uplifts and carries one through life. You can be the cheerleader for your kids, but you simply cannot be that voice; nor can you give them your inner voice. So then how does a mother help her child to discover this inner strength? By developing it in herself first.
Before having children, if we allowed ourselves enough time to develop our inner strength, we called the shots, had dreams, enjoyed a getaway weekend, had a career, felt inspired by life and sought to experience happiness. We tried new things and didn’t have to call it a “hobby” – we just did what we loved to do as much as possible. In transferring our lives over to our children, we have given up our playfulness with life and quite frankly our control.
We are always much more powerful when we are centered with a strong sense of self; when our own inner voice is alive within us. This is how you inspire your children without losing yourself in the process. Tomorrow we discuss just how to balance these two worlds of connection and freedom.
Love,
ceoMom 101
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DAY 3: ceoMom Workshop on Redefining Yourself
on the job training for the executive domesticCentering yourself begins by realizing you are your own person. And so is your child. You are each individuals experiencing your own unique lives separate from one another. Most moms do not see it this way. Through the sleepless nights, temper tantrums and potty training, all they can see is a powerful yet beautiful creature taking over their life. You have brought this child into the world, not to take you over, but as his/her guardian to guide through life’s developing years. Your goal is to help this child grow into an independent person capable of making wise decisions and reaching for success (just like you). You do not own your children and they do not own you.
We are each a multifaceted person with various talents and abilities. We are unique and different in our own special ways. There is the “you” who loves to curl up with a good book; the “you” who likes a long sweaty run; the “you” who dives into her work; the “you” who can create something from nothing; the “you” who cooks up a storm; the “you” that pays the bills and balances the checkbook…And then there is the “you” who is raising and nurturing a child. Motherhood is one role you play. It is not who you are.
You see, you are a grand beautiful person with unlimited potential just like you see in your child. You are a whole complete individual, diversified with many talents and unique characteristics on your own path of life. And your path continues. You, the mom, are still developing, learning and growing too. In other words, motherhood does not define you. You define it.
Tomorrow we’re talking details. Hang on.
Love,
ceoMom 101
We are each a multifaceted person with various talents and abilities. We are unique and different in our own special ways. There is the “you” who loves to curl up with a good book; the “you” who likes a long sweaty run; the “you” who dives into her work; the “you” who can create something from nothing; the “you” who cooks up a storm; the “you” that pays the bills and balances the checkbook…And then there is the “you” who is raising and nurturing a child. Motherhood is one role you play. It is not who you are.
You see, you are a grand beautiful person with unlimited potential just like you see in your child. You are a whole complete individual, diversified with many talents and unique characteristics on your own path of life. And your path continues. You, the mom, are still developing, learning and growing too. In other words, motherhood does not define you. You define it.
Tomorrow we’re talking details. Hang on.
Love,
ceoMom 101
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DAY 4: ceoMom Workshop on Redefining Yourself
on the job training for the executive domesticMotherhood is difficult and when you give it your all, you can easily lose yourself in the process. This path often leads to struggles and even depression. It can be a dark place. You ask: “Who am I?” and your quest to find yourself begins. Your initial response is to do something about it and find a solution. But let’s try a different route. Redefining yourself can be simply a matter of letting go.
STOP DEFINING
Opposite from what you might think, finding yourself is about letting go of what you think you are or want to be. We spend oodles of time telling ourselves what kind of mom we want to be, what type of person will make us feel successful. Stop trying to define yourself. In letting go of an image you desire, you allow yourself the freedom to be who you truly are. Let go of the image or ideals and you will become the new you without effort. You want to be free. This is your natural state of being. When you can release the desire to define yourself, you will emerge.
LET GO AND GROW
The only thing constant is change. You are always evolving, learning and growing. With experience, you are bound to change. Motherhood is the mother of experience. It is such an enormous life change full of challenges and growing opportunities. Of course you will change as a person. Honor and allow this process. You may feel a need to mourn the person or life you once had. That is ok too. Then let go of that image or ideal. You are moving forward, gaining new experience, evolving and creating a new you. See motherhood as an adventure and allow it to take you to new heights.
RISE ABOVE
A mom who wants to rediscover her inner beauty has to stop caring about what others may think of her. No matter what you do or don’t do, there will always be critics. Some of the criticisms you may face come from those who are not internally happy themselves and surely do not want you to be. People gossip for this very same reason. Rising above this mentality shows you are capable of unconditional love, because you are saying you love yourself regardless of how others perceive you. This form of pure love is the essence of who you are.
NO MORE GUILT
Let go of the guilt associated with being a mother. Guilt is caused by over analyzing and thinking too much about what you should be doing, how you perceive others or how you may have failed in the past. It is also derived from pre-conceived notions about how you should act based on societal pressures and the culture you associate with. Guilt is, at its core, only a signal for change. Perpetual guilt and over thinking is not beneficial to you or a healthy way to live. Leave guilt behind and let inspiration guide you instead.
NOW
Although motherhood can be challenging, realize this is a short period of time. The kids might be bouncing off the walls, diapers need to be changed and food thrown on the floor, but this will not last forever. Let go of future woes and just focus on what you want to do today. You could spend much of your current energy worried about tomorrow and how you’re going to get through another six months of this, when in fact you can simply direct your attention to what is happening now and conserve that energy. You might even find enjoyment in what is going on, no matter how crazy your life is, simply by living in the moment and realizing this too shall pass.
ONE MINUTE
All a mom needs is a good book and moments of stillness to rediscover her beauty. To accomplish this, simply say “no” to the dishes one night or to someone asking you for yet another favor. You don’t need a lot of time to devote to yourself, but a little can go a long way. A few deep breaths, relaxation music playing in the background, a few yoga stretches, a half hour to read a couple chapters, one minute of meditation to relax the mind…These are all simple ways to re-center yourself that can be done any time of the day. If you feel like life is just too crazy, begin to find balance by giving up one minute of your hectic schedule and give it to yourself. You’ll be amazed at how that moment will enliven and inspire your inner self.
ALWAYS KNOW
Let go of indecision and know what it is you want. You can’t expect things to be different if you don’t know how you want your life to be. If something is not going well or if there is something you want to have happen, simply recognize and know what you want the outcome to be before it occurs. When you wake in the morning, ask yourself: “What do I want to see happen today?” This is not a checklist of to-do’s; this is simply sending out what you desire for your life. In order to inspire your inner abilities, you always have to know what it is you want.
TAKE THE CHANCE
When your inner strength starts to develop, it will begin to flow from you. You’ll start having thoughts of wanting to participate in life again. Maybe it’s trying a new sport or getting back on the bike; making a new friend or taking a new job. Regardless, listen to these promptings and take that chance. Let go of the notion that you are too tired or too old to start anew. You have all the experience and the motivation to take your life to the next level. In these experiences you will gain more insight about yourself and will continue to grow and develop the authentic you.
In trying to re-define yourself, remember you are a beautiful individual with unlimited potential. There is nothing you need to go get or anything major you need to find; it is already inside of you. Discovering who you are after having children is not about gaining anything; it is about losing all the preconceived notions and mental constructs that hold you back. In losing these, you will find yourself. The beauty of the message is this: You are already the new you.
Love,
ceoMom 101
This concludes our ceoMom Workshop on Redefining Yourself. Thank you for participating!
STOP DEFINING
Opposite from what you might think, finding yourself is about letting go of what you think you are or want to be. We spend oodles of time telling ourselves what kind of mom we want to be, what type of person will make us feel successful. Stop trying to define yourself. In letting go of an image you desire, you allow yourself the freedom to be who you truly are. Let go of the image or ideals and you will become the new you without effort. You want to be free. This is your natural state of being. When you can release the desire to define yourself, you will emerge.
LET GO AND GROW
The only thing constant is change. You are always evolving, learning and growing. With experience, you are bound to change. Motherhood is the mother of experience. It is such an enormous life change full of challenges and growing opportunities. Of course you will change as a person. Honor and allow this process. You may feel a need to mourn the person or life you once had. That is ok too. Then let go of that image or ideal. You are moving forward, gaining new experience, evolving and creating a new you. See motherhood as an adventure and allow it to take you to new heights.
RISE ABOVE
A mom who wants to rediscover her inner beauty has to stop caring about what others may think of her. No matter what you do or don’t do, there will always be critics. Some of the criticisms you may face come from those who are not internally happy themselves and surely do not want you to be. People gossip for this very same reason. Rising above this mentality shows you are capable of unconditional love, because you are saying you love yourself regardless of how others perceive you. This form of pure love is the essence of who you are.
NO MORE GUILT
Let go of the guilt associated with being a mother. Guilt is caused by over analyzing and thinking too much about what you should be doing, how you perceive others or how you may have failed in the past. It is also derived from pre-conceived notions about how you should act based on societal pressures and the culture you associate with. Guilt is, at its core, only a signal for change. Perpetual guilt and over thinking is not beneficial to you or a healthy way to live. Leave guilt behind and let inspiration guide you instead.
NOW
Although motherhood can be challenging, realize this is a short period of time. The kids might be bouncing off the walls, diapers need to be changed and food thrown on the floor, but this will not last forever. Let go of future woes and just focus on what you want to do today. You could spend much of your current energy worried about tomorrow and how you’re going to get through another six months of this, when in fact you can simply direct your attention to what is happening now and conserve that energy. You might even find enjoyment in what is going on, no matter how crazy your life is, simply by living in the moment and realizing this too shall pass.
ONE MINUTE
All a mom needs is a good book and moments of stillness to rediscover her beauty. To accomplish this, simply say “no” to the dishes one night or to someone asking you for yet another favor. You don’t need a lot of time to devote to yourself, but a little can go a long way. A few deep breaths, relaxation music playing in the background, a few yoga stretches, a half hour to read a couple chapters, one minute of meditation to relax the mind…These are all simple ways to re-center yourself that can be done any time of the day. If you feel like life is just too crazy, begin to find balance by giving up one minute of your hectic schedule and give it to yourself. You’ll be amazed at how that moment will enliven and inspire your inner self.
ALWAYS KNOW
Let go of indecision and know what it is you want. You can’t expect things to be different if you don’t know how you want your life to be. If something is not going well or if there is something you want to have happen, simply recognize and know what you want the outcome to be before it occurs. When you wake in the morning, ask yourself: “What do I want to see happen today?” This is not a checklist of to-do’s; this is simply sending out what you desire for your life. In order to inspire your inner abilities, you always have to know what it is you want.
TAKE THE CHANCE
When your inner strength starts to develop, it will begin to flow from you. You’ll start having thoughts of wanting to participate in life again. Maybe it’s trying a new sport or getting back on the bike; making a new friend or taking a new job. Regardless, listen to these promptings and take that chance. Let go of the notion that you are too tired or too old to start anew. You have all the experience and the motivation to take your life to the next level. In these experiences you will gain more insight about yourself and will continue to grow and develop the authentic you.
In trying to re-define yourself, remember you are a beautiful individual with unlimited potential. There is nothing you need to go get or anything major you need to find; it is already inside of you. Discovering who you are after having children is not about gaining anything; it is about losing all the preconceived notions and mental constructs that hold you back. In losing these, you will find yourself. The beauty of the message is this: You are already the new you.
Love,
ceoMom 101
This concludes our ceoMom Workshop on Redefining Yourself. Thank you for participating!
1 comment
ceoMom Workshops
on the job training for the executive domesticAll of our ceoMom Workshops are available free online. We invite you to learn more on each of these "mom" topics. Have a great day!
-- No More “Mom” Guilt!
-- Stop Yelling at Your Kids
-- Kid's Anger: A Lifelong Lesson
-- Finding Hobbies and Discover a Piece of You
-- Managing Your Time - Turn Your Life Around
-- Overcome Your Fears and Start Living
-- (New) Redefining Who You Are
A new ceoMom Workshop will be announced soon!
-- No More “Mom” Guilt!
-- Stop Yelling at Your Kids
-- Kid's Anger: A Lifelong Lesson
-- Finding Hobbies and Discover a Piece of You
-- Managing Your Time - Turn Your Life Around
-- Overcome Your Fears and Start Living
-- (New) Redefining Who You Are
A new ceoMom Workshop will be announced soon!
0 comments
