Navigating Motherhood

What Every Mom Needs to Hear About the Election of Donald Trump

What Every Mom Needs to Hear About the Election of Donald Trump

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To say that the world was rocked by the United States presidential election this week would be an understatement. There are deep and emotionally charged reactions being felt by everyone – whether you are happy with the outcome or not. We have questions, lots of questions, about what this means for our country. Especially, as we watch some of the events that are transpiring in the aftermath of this election.

One thing I know is that in all of this, there is a HUGE take away for us moms. A lesson -revelation if you will- that we would be crazy to ignore. This election, no matter how you feel about it, has given us a moment of incredible opportunity.

 

 

 

Watch below as I explain this important revelation:

 

 

Make sure your children see their mother creating change on a regular basis. Even if it is simply changing the furniture in a room so that it flows better for your family. Ask them regularly what they would like to change in their own lives -or how they might like to touch the lives of others through positive change.

 

We must show our children, and ourselves, that change is something we create. It is grown out of our dreams and desires for a better life and a better world.

 

All My Love,
 

Danielle
xoxo

 

Here is the link to Russel Brand's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3Ou5uFFn8Q

 

It's that fleeting moment, when I remember my little love that climbed those steps last year, which hits my heart hard.

Back to School

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It's that fleeting moment, when I remember my little love that climbed those steps last year, which hits my heart hard.As I watched you walk up the steps of the big yellow school bus, I wondered where summer had gone.

Are we standing here again? Already?!?

I pictured the ice cream dripping down your face and arms as you anxiously tried to eat your cone before it melted in the hot sun.

I pictured your toes wiggling in the wet sand and your sea shell adorned sand castles.

I laughed to myself as I pictured you giggling on the park swing.

I’m going to miss the lazy days of summer.

Sitting in our pajamas and snuggling with your bed head until it was almost noon.

Deciding every morning what that day’s adventures were going to be.

Having a movie night in the middle of the week.

The smell of sunblock and the summer breeze.


Has it been a whole year since we stood here? Embarking again on the First Day of School…
 

You, all smiles with your brand new gear, and me, fighting back tears as I watch you climb each bus step.

Then you turn, flash your silly excited smile at me and wave. Now I’m really struggling to hold it together!

Not just because I’m going to miss you, not just because I will worry, but mostly because I am so proud of you.

You are not the kid who stepped onto that bus a year ago. You have grown smarter, stronger and wiser since the last ‘First Day of School’. You are ready for your new adventure and you are taking it on without reservation.

I’ll be ready too, I’m just going to need a few extra days to get used to the idea.

Watching you grow means the world to me. My heart could not be prouder.

It’s that fleeting moment, when I remember my little love who climbed those steps last year, which hits my heart hard. I grieve her cute little face for a moment because I know she is now a part of my memory. A more brilliant young girl stands in her place.

I wave back at you and say, “Have fun! I love you!”

My heart stops for a second when you say, “I love you too.”

This is going to be a great year for you. I am excited to watch you grow.

I manage to hold it together until the bus pulls out of view. I have my moment – the tears flow. Then I take a deep breath, dry my tears, and spend the rest of the day keeping busy while you linger in the back of my mind. Until the big yellow bus pulls up, you walk down the steps and tell me all about your new adventures.

Happy Mothers Day: I Love You So Much

Honoring Mom: A Mother’s Day Reflection

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Mother’s Day is a few days away! It is a day of celebration and gratitude, as we reflect upon our mothers and the great impact they have had on our lives.

I wonder…
In all of your reflecting, have you ever stopped to reflect upon yourself and your journey as a mother and woman?


What is your story Sexy Momma?
Who are you?

No…I'm not asking about the roles you play and the tasks you undertake.

Who are YOU?

Tell me about that raw soul that emerges when you are being yourself. When you're simply being, without any roles or physical descriptions defining you. When that soul, deep inside, feels free to come out into the world.

Who is that soul? That soul has a story – a beautiful one. A story full of excitement and fear, ups and downs, laughs and tears.

What's her story? Who is she and what journey led her to this moment?

Where is she going next? What are her dreams for the future? The down-to-earth realistic dreams and the crazy -if I could wish for anything- dreams.

What does she truly want for herself? For her children? For her family? From the bottom of her heart, what are her deepest most sacred desires?

You can be completely honest here….No one else is watching. This is your moment to open up and let that soul fly, dream and desire.
 

Listen to her ever so carefully…

What did she tell you?
Where does she want to go?
What does she desire?

She can only live her desires of you allow her to. She lives through you after all. No one is holding her back – except for you.

Will you release her?
Will you allow her the joy of experiencing that which she wants most?

If you let it be. It will be.

Do not be afraid to BE the beautiful soul that is residing inside your heart.

This Mother's Day, love and reflect upon the beautiful women in your life. But most of all, love and reflect upon your beautiful soul.
 

You deserve to be honored, Sexy Momma.


With Love and Sexiness,

Danielle
xoxo
 

Motherhood: Am I Ready for This?

Motherhood: Am I Ready for This?

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Am I Ready For This?

The day I left the hospital with my firstborn, in disbelief that they were trusting this little life completely to my care, I asked myself, “Am I ready for this?” The first night away from the baby, “Am I ready for this?” First day of preschool, “Am I ready for this?” First day of kindergarten, “Am I ready for this?” First sleepover at a friend’s, “Am I REALLY ready for this?” I’m going on my twelfth year of being a mom and I still regularly ask myself the question, “Am I ready for this?” 

This is even truer as of recent. My oldest will be entering middle school this fall. We just had her first school dance and I can already I see a slew of, “Is this actually happening?” moments making their way down the pipe. The thought of dates, driving and unsupervised outings with friends has me feeling more than a little nervous. It’s all right around the corner and I know I have to handle each of these moments with grace if I am going to give my daughter what she needs to be successful.

Sigh…No pressure…

As I look at my daughter, I love everything about her eleven-year-old self. Her heart. Her sense of humor. Her curiosity. Her smile. Her genuine caring spirit. While I want to bottle her up and keep her just as she is for a few more years -at least- I know that she is more than ready for the next step in her journey.

She is ready for middle school and the adventures of sixth grade. She is ready to take on more responsibility and independence. I’m the one who doesn’t want to loosen the reins and trust that her journey is set up to give her the experiences she needs as she is ready for them.

I cried the first day I dropped her off at preschool and the first time she boarded the kindergarten bus. I have a feeling it won’t be any different for the first day of middle school, high school and especially college.

What I realize now, however, is that I am not crying for my daughter, I am crying for me. I am so proud of her and her accomplishments, but that’s not why I cry. I cry for the lack of control I have over the situation. I cry because I’m being forced to let go and trust that everything I have taught and instilled in my daughter thus far will sustain her.

Quite frankly, that scares the shit out of me!

And then I cry more…in fear of something going wrong and finding out that I didn’t do enough to prepare her. I get caught up in my fears and miss the full beauty of the moment that is my child growing into one frickin’ awesome human being.

Thinking back, was I really ready for any of the challenges that motherhood set at my feet?

For most of them, I don’t think that I was. It didn’t matter though, because my children were ready. It was their readiness that forced me to show up. I was forced to stretch and grow and become exactly what they needed. So they could be ready for their next step, before I ever was.

I’m not sure that I’ll be ready for all of the milestones and special moments to come, but my kids will be….and I’ll be there supporting them each step of the way.

 

With Love and Sexiness,

Danielle
xoxo

An Important WARNING to Pregnant and New Moms Everywhere

An Important WARNING to Pregnant and New Moms Everywhere

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WARNING to Pregnant and New Moms Everywhere

The Warnings for new moms are endless! Breastfeeding vs. Formula, Vaccines vs. No Vaccines, Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable, Working vs. Stay at Home Mom, How Baby Should Lay, How Baby Should Play….  Every experienced parent, doctor and baby expert dumps zillions of Warnings on the new mom. There is one Warning however, that most leave out. In my opinion, the most important Warning every new mom should hear…

 

The moment a woman finds out she is going to be a mother, the vision she holds for her life changes forever. Suddenly some things that seemed so important don’t matter any more and some things that she thought she would never do have become daily routine. Every single one of our priorities shifts to offer the very best for our baby. As mothers, we are highly praised for this selfless mentality and it becomes ingrained into our being. I love giving my children all that I can and seeing them happy and successful.  While it is one of the best parts of being a mom, no one warned me that when taken too far it can be harmful to me and my children.

I devoted every second of my time focusing on my children and my family and trying give them the perfect life.

We did activities and outings. We ate the right foods and took care of ourselves. We focused on learning and schoolwork. I always read books and articles on the latest studies for children and the latest studies on parenting.

I felt that I was working so hard to keep my family growing and living the best life possible, but for some reason, it always seemed like there was more I should be doing. This was so frustrating to me! I would break down in tears because I felt like I didn't have the time or the means to give my family everything they deserved. Most of all, I was frustrated with myself. Wondering when I would finally feel satisfied in my mommy role.

I was given compliments from others all the time about my mothering skills…”You have such terrific kids!” “They are so polite and well mannered.” “You are such an involved parent!” …but as these wonderful comments reached my ears all I thought was,”Yeah, I could do better.”

Sadly, most Mommas feel this way. They feel as if they are working their sexy booties off for their families but it's still not enough.

What I was missing was the one key thing every momma needs to know. The thing no one warns her about!
 

Stop worrying and start loving! <3
Stop trying so hard to do everything perfect and simply be there to love your family!

All that your family really wants from you is your LOVE  and your PRESENCE in each moment they spend with you.
 

This might seem funny right now because when you first hold your little bundle of joy, all you can think about is enjoying each moment and pouring your love all over them. But as life moves forward, hardships happen, stresses get in the way and our babies face obstacles as they grow. We have so many complex things to think about when it comes to taking care of our family.

As wonderful Sexy Mommas, we do our best to be everything and provide everything for our family. So much so that we’re getting in the way of being what our family really needs – us!

They just need us to be in the moment with them. To enjoy the here are now. Not worrying about the details.

To put it simply..We’re trying too hard! Anytime we try too hard at something it back fires – always. It back fires because we are getting in the way of the process. Instead of letting things happen, we are trying to control and manipulate the results. Yes, we want our children to be perfect, smart and beautiful little human beings! Of course, but sometimes this desire gets in the way of us seeing that our child is already perfect! Or that this moment that we are sharing with them is perfect, right now! Or that who we are and what we can give right now is perfect, just as it is!

When we become parents we want to be superheros. Creating the best possible lives for our babies. The thing is, we have already created the best life – our baby. He is here! He is the creation of life itself! The hardest work is already done. We created a life. Now we get to sit back and enjoy the ride, offering love and guidance along the way.

As far as knowing what guidance to give along the way, trust your heart Sexy Momma. Everything you need is already in there.

 

With Love and Sexiness,

Danielle Zack
xoxo

The Day I Became a Perfect Mom

The Day I Became a Perfect Mom

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perfect mom postIt wasn’t a special day… In fact, it was a very routine day in our household. We had a normal school day with homework and activities after school. Then, as usual, when it was time to go to bed my children created a long list of things that just had to get done before they snuggled in for the night. The last minute hurrying around was nothing outrageous, but certainly enough to make even the most tolerant mommy’s patience wear thin.

My oldest was upstairs wrapping up her ‘must-do’ list and my youngest was with me in the kitchen getting her nightly water and ice chips (her must haves). In an effort to speed things along, I asked her if she would go in the other room and turn the lamp off. “Yes!” she replied, as she skipped out of the room with her typical eager-to-please excitement.

Not a minute later, I heard a huge crash and shattering sound. I knew that the lamp, which was glass, had fallen and was now scattered across the floor in hundreds of pieces. I ran into the other room expecting cries, cuts, and a bloody mess. Instead, I ran into my daughter as she was dashing out of the room. A quick once over showed me that she was just fine. I was relieved that we wouldn’t need any bandages or have to clean up any blood, but my relief was short lived. I am certainly not proud of what happened next.

It was one of the worst moments of my mommy career…

A second after seeing that my daughter was indeed OK, I turned completely evil and I laid into her with words that would put sticks and stones to shame. “What in the world happened?!? You’ve turned that lamp on and off tons of times!” I was practically shouting. “I did an accident”, she sheepishly answered. “How did the lamp fall!? All you had to do was push the switch over!” I was shouting now. “My hand got stuck”, she defended. “Stuck?!?” I said, “I don’t even understand how that’s possible!” I ranted on a little bit longer before commanding that she go to bed.

Fuming, I started cleaning up the mess. As I was kneeling down picking up the pieces of glass, my angry thoughts were interrupted by heart wrenching sobs coming from upstairs. I stopped and sat there for a minute.

All I could think was, “I did that. That little girl upstairs is heartbroken right now because of me. I made her feel defeated. I broke her heart. Because of a lamp.”

A stupid lamp! What’s worse is that the lamp, while I loved it, cost me $5.00 at a garage sale. FIVE stinkin’ dollars!! I would pay a trillion times that to make my girl happy! Yet it only took me five seconds to steal every ounce of happiness within her. My heart sank and shame set in. Did I really just do that to my daughter???

Leaving the mess, I headed upstairs to her room. I walked right over to the bed, picked up the limp ball of tears and held her as tight as I could. Fighting back my tears, I kept repeating, “I love you so much. I am so glad you are not hurt. I am so glad that you are ok.” Finally the sobs stopped and the tears subsided.  I apologized for being mean and let her know that she didn’t do anything wrong. I told her that I wasn’t mad at her, I was frustrated with other things and I lost my temper.

Surely, if someone had treated me the way I treated her, I wouldn’t be so quick to forgive. But not her…she had nothing but hugs and kisses for me. Within minutes, she was ready to laugh and joke and snuggle. It was as if nothing ever happened.

That’s the moment I realized I was a perfect mom.

Not because I am anywhere near perfection, my behavior certainly proves otherwise, but because I am completely perfect for my daughter. I am everything she needs. My love, my care, my guidance, it is exactly what she needs. Even in my moments of weakness, I can show her what it means to be humble and ask for forgiveness.

I am perfect for her, just as she is perfect for me. That’s why she is mine and I am hers. Not because we picked each other, but because we were paired together.

We both definitely have out imperfections, but together our imperfections are perfect for each other.

I will always aspire to do better and be better – especially as a mom. But I’m not going to stress about it anymore. Stress just causes blow ups and melt downs. Instead, my focus in on ­loving my children. That is the perfection that my children deserve and that is the perfection that I can give them.

LOVE is always perfect.

That’s why I know that I am a perfect mom, and that’s why I know you are too. <3
Our strength and our power lies in love. All we have to do is to remember to love first, always.

To Your Sexy and Success-fulness,

Danielle

 

The lamp may be gone, but we decided to have some fun with the lamp shade… 🙂

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