| Hi read,
How are you today? How's your week going?
I mentioned last newsletter that my family was on vacation in mid-March. It took me a few beats to get back into the rhythm after checking out for pretty much the whole week of spring break. I needed the time away.
Here's the thing. I had been very focused on things I could measure like checking off items on my to-do list for clients or my own businesses. I had figured out my productivity puzzle. What I wasn't focusing on (perhaps intentionally) was the things you don't measure, like whether or not I'm having fun or how much joy do I feel at a given moment.
Do you ever feel like that? You're making things happen but not necessarily enjoying the process.
And it got me thinking about the idea of thriving versus surviving. I was working on simply getting through the stuff, not thriving along the way. Here's the thing about thriving. Thriving as a general concept is about feeling successful, based on your definition. And thriving can be across areas of your life but it doesn't have to be. You can thrive in one area of your life and struggle in another.
I need a reset. Motherhood has its moments where you focus on surviving (yes, I've been there too). This is a season when I'm ready and want to thrive, though. Here are some things I'm doing that might help you if you're finding yourself in a similar situation of wanting to thrive: More fun activities. How do you have fun? Yes, I know kids can be fun, but they can also be exhausting (sometimes both at the same time). What brings you joy outside of your family? How do you get more of the feeling of joy and fun into your day or week?
For example, I rediscovered tennis during the pandemic after not playing consistently for decades. Being on the court truly brings me joy. I'm scheduling tennis dates, so they are on the calendar, and I have that to look forward to each week. If you're in the Austin area and play tennis, let me know!!
Focusing on my health. I haven't changed anything in how and what I eat and I exercise almost daily, but I'm gaining weight. I need to be more intentional in how I eat and what exercise I do. Realistically, I think I'm perimenopausal. If you're dealing with this, I'm right there with you. Solidarity, mamas!
It also doesn't help that I fell off the wagon on my nighttime routine. For years I was so good about writing in my gratitude journal before reading at bedtime. I'm going to bed waaaaaayyyyy too late and it's not a good thing. Working on restarting my nighttime routine. And when I'm tired, everything feels out of whack. (Tell me that I am not the only one.)
And these are some of the fundamentals of self-care. Having self-care baked into your version of working motherhood is never a bad thing.
Connection with others. On Sunday evening I had a few women over to my house. No occasion. No selling. It was a moment of connection with each other. My husband commented how much happier I seemed the next day. As an extrovert, I need to be intentional about having these in-person connections. It's not only the moments where I bond with another mom while watching our kids play sports or do an activity. And I'm working on hanging out with a wider variety of women especially those who make me feel good about myself. So, what brings you joy? What will you include more of in your life?
Sending good vibes,
Suzanne
PS Calling all mom business owners. Founders First CDC has announced its $25,000 National Kitty Fund Grant focused on supporting Mom entrepreneurs in the US. You could be one of 25 mompreneurs who receive a grant of $1,000 each. Apply now. | 
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