Principles to Guide you in your Personal Pursuits

The following principles are more about mindset than anything else. Mommy mindset is inevitably different due to the impact we have on our offspring! When we understand how we’re setting an example when we’re setting our goals, and when we arrange circumstances such that our children feel included and can be present with us in order to absorb the example, Mom-guilt is swept away and our relationship with our children thrives!

Time– Spending time on my personal pursuits is an investment in myself and the goals that I have, even though so much time is required by motherhood. As possible, I will overlap and intertwine personal and maternal activities, but I will get help so I can have focused time as well.

Personhood– Becoming a mother is an enriching addition to my identity, not an elimination of my individuality. Yes, adjustments must be made, but I will honor my personhood and meet my needs alongside meeting the needs of other people that I care about.

Growth Mindset– I acknowledge that I have limitations, and yet I believe in my ability to overcome whatever limitations I deem necessary and worthy of my efforts. My brain is a muscle that will be strengthened and developed by doing hard things.

Endurance– Since progress is gradual, I will endure in my efforts to progress and never give up. I forgive myself when I fail, and stand back up when I fall.

Innate Worth– I have value independent of what I accomplish or produce. My worth is infinite and static no matter if I succeed or fail with my goals. 

Attitude– My attitude towards myself and my goals is crucial to my success. Developing an optimistic outlook that is flexible, grateful, humble, and constructive will allow me to progress at a realistic pace and with a hopeful heart.

Pace- I commit to accepting my progress even if the pace seems slow. I can appreciate a slower pace because it helps me avoid overwhelm. This is not permission to procrastinate but to be gently realistic regarding finite resources such as time and energy. 

Motherhood as the Means– Motherhood is neither an obstacle nor an interruption to my personal growth! In fact, motherhood is the vehicle to overcome the impediments and distractions that arise on the path of progress. The various challenges of motherhood serve as the impetus for improvement because they are fueled by selfless love for my offspring! Setting goals within the frame of motherhood expands the impact to include my children’s well-being, not just my own.