Image via 8tracks.com
The other day the organizer of the Pinner’s Conference called and asked me to teach a parenting class at the conference. To be honest, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do it. Because that week I would be taking my son to the MTC to begin his two-year mission. On that Friday I wanted to do nothing more than curl up in pjs with my toddler and wallow in some happy he’s moving forward but a bit of mother woe-is-me.
However, I felt to move forward and agreed to do it.
That Friday I taught “Savor the Joy in Motherhood,” helping women to not only rekindle the daily joy but use holiday planning tips to feel the seasonal happiness too. After a wonderful class with lovely women, I felt renewed. Their wonderful energy and delight had uplifted me and I felt hopeful they had experienced some of the same. Before I packed up to go, a woman approached me and with tears in her eyes and paraphrasing, said she had traveled from another state and knew that she had needed and been impressed to attend the class.
Her heartfelt words touched me deeply.
And I realized again, when we feel the most emotionally stretched, down, or overwhelmed, getting out of ourselves is the best medicine. How grateful I was to focus on something other than missing my son, and to share that hour with such good, focused, and connecting women. They blessed my life.
During this holiday season, I encourage you to recognize those woe-is-me moments in your own life. And, consider one way you can get out of yourself and connect with others. Take the opportunity and do it. This kind of synergistic healing balm is priceless—literally and figuratively.
Best,
Connie
P.S. The perfect gift—Simplify & Savor the Season, only 3 for $25! Share with your family and friends simple ways to joyfully prepare for the season, CLICK HERE
Reviews of Simplify & Savor the Season:
“Connie’s done it again. Her delightful sense of humor and cute phrasing make her books a delightful read. Here her down-to-earth advice is presented in a way that makes sense. Laugh your way through her ideas for making your holidays memorable for all the right reasons. Simplify and Savor—how I wish I’d had her advice when my children were younger!”Arline Holbrook, Book Reviewer
“I found the solution to my holiday dilemmas when I read ‘Simplify & Savor the Season’ by Connie E. Sokol. I highly recommend this book! Her easy to follow plans are laid out clearly, and will help my family find more peace in our planning. Now I have permission to simplify and a way to do it! The inspiring stories that follow the planning guides are short enough that I can be interrupted but meaningful enough to encourage me to do it.” Lydia Taggart, Book Reviewer, www.cheerfulbychoice.blogspot.org
Thank you Connie! Your messages are always so inspiring! Thank you for the tip to serve when you’re feeling down. I also like gratitude listing when I’m feeling a bit blah. (And a little bit of dark chocolate doesn’t hurt either!)
LOL, I’m with you–especially those dark chocolate bark thins at Costco…in the words of Mall Cop, it fills the cracks of the heart…:)
Hugs,
Connie
Hi Connie! It was so great to get to have lunch with you today. I’m just sorry you had to run out so quickly because I loved connecting with you. 🙂 I hope your daughter’s science project went great and that you made it on time. Kids come first and you’re a great mom for being there for her!
I loved this article and you’re right- when we get outside ourselves and connect (and in your case- serve) with others, it lifts our spirits up and then we truly have the energy to deal with whatever else life throws at us.
Thank you for your great example in this!
Future Friends,
Aly Collotzi
You’re a love! I apologize, I’m always late to get to comments but appreciate other moms understanding!! I was so bummed to leave, you all are such NEAT women and with such wonderful grounded personalities. I knew I would learn a ton and soak in your spirit and wisdom, so it was a sacrifice for me (boo hoo I know). But she did great and we had some fun girl time as I took her home after and had that time to ourselves before everyone else pounded in the door:) Thanks so much for your gracious comments and sweet thoughts, made my day. I already look forward to the next time we get together, and hope our paths cross earlier in the meantime!! Hugs, Connie