| Hi read,
How are you? How is your 2023 going? Still feeling motivated and moving closer to your goals?
During the pandemic I rediscovered tennis. I had played competitively in high school but stopped playing because of an injury. And it brought me so much joy to pick up a racquet again to take a clinic with a small group of neighborhood women (yay for tennis being a Covid-friendly sport!). And then life got back to normal and I let my tennis slide. And then I started playing again recently. I decided I needed to start showing up again for myself in this area because it brought me so much joy. (Any fellow tennis fans in the Mompowerment community?)
It got me thinking about how we all forget to show up for ourselves. And this is such a natural follow-up to the last email I wrote about self-love.
If you're like most working mothers who I know, you do a lot. Pretty much every day. You manage your productivity puzzle to fit all the things: work, family, carpool, cooking, kids' activities in multiple directions, trying to create meaningful time together, etc. You make the many pieces come together for everyone in your family – again and again.
What about the things you need and want? Are you taking time for yourself or do you keep saying you'll have time tomorrow, next week, or when things slow down (hint: they rarely do)? So, here's a thought. What if you showed up for yourself like you do for others?
So here are some ideas on how to show up for yourself: - Set goals for yourself. What are your goals for 2023? Forget resolutions or intentions. If you're looking at 2023 in early 2024, what do you want to have achieved or checked off on your to-do list?
- Consider what you need. When was the last time, you did some strategic thinking about what you specifically need: your goals, feeling more fulfilled, understanding next steps and long-term intentions for your career (e.g., starting a business), etc.? If it's been a while, it's time to schedule that time. Get that 30-60 minutes on the calendar to get started!
- Who can help you? Don't try to do this alone. Work with your significant other to create space (e.g., someone needs to watch the kids, right?). Ask your neighbor, sister, etc. to drop off kids at school to give you time to work on something first thing in the morning. Don't feel like showing up for yourself is something you must do without outside help.
- How will you intentionally create time for your needs? It's not enough to have goals or understand what you need. Make time and mental space to work on/do these things. It starts with putting it on your calendar.
- Manage your internal mean girl. As you create space and take time for yourself, your inner voice might have some not-so-nice things to say if things slow down or you misstep. Keep that inner mean girl in check and make sure you're using positive inner thoughts to support whatever you're working on.
As you think about putting yourself first, there's another benefit to consider. When you're at your best, it trickles into all the areas of your life. You end up being a better mom, professional, significant other, sister, etc. So, focusing on you actually positively impacts those around you.
How will you make sure to show up for yourself today? I'd love to know what changes you'll make and what you're working on.
Sending good vibes,
Suzanne
PS I'm doing a webinar on 3/8 for Mompowerment mamas to talk about intentional networking. If you want the link, let me know by responding to this email with "I want the link" and I'll send it your way. | 
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