Sometimes…..the plans with the best of intentions don’t happen….and then I start feeling a bit of shame and embarrassment because I actually wrote about it on the blog and at least 5 people read it and then I never reached out to actually follow through thus sparking more shame and embarrassment (such an ugly cycle us women put ourselves through am I right?!?!?).

But they CAN plant seeds for future growth and that’s about how my big goal of social outings in March spilled into April. I survived March with a crazy work schedule and Scott and WG heading off to Haiti (a bigger post from her perspective is in the works) and then got to see lots of lovely ladies in April for some much-needed Mama self-care, we-care time.(love these women…..and the sweet birthday girl in the middle)And throughout multiple fun opportunities to hang out with women, walk through craft fairs with women, host fun parties with women…..it reminds me over and over how important that community is. Learning their perspectives on things I inwardly struggle with helps me process and have grace. Their ideas around parenting and marriage sparks changes in my heart and home. Empathy and grace can’t happen if you have no one there receiving it and giving it right back…..and I have more of those two things to give besides pouring it all over my kiddos and hubby (plus I need a whole lot of it in return).

I recently read and explored the Strengthsfinder 2.0 book which includes a code to analyze your own strengths. I loved this (again….reminds me of Seventeen quizzes that I LIVED for in the 90’s…..pretty sure it set the stage for my passion in psychology/counseling) and have been trying to match my strengths with work endeavors and even some relationship changes as well. You don’t have to buy the book to take the quiz either (I think it’s $19.99 for a description of your top 5….lots of info!). Have you taken this quiz? I would love to hear your strengths!!!

I am also interested in what other busy mamas do for self-care AND if it might be kinda cool to have some intentional events around self-care…..if you are interested in this topic, click this link to take a quick survey describing what that might look like for you. For one, I am just kinda interested in what everyone thinks and for two, my strategic strength is pushing me to be more intentional and group-minded with this whole concept so I want others feedback before I do!!

Happy May to all of you readers…..MAY it be filled with lots of grace, empathy, together-ness, and SUNSHINE!!!!

(My May SPARK goal is under wraps as of now…..protecting myself from the whole shame cycle highlighted above…..actually maybe my goal should be not having shame around silly things…..hmmmmmm)