04.15.24 Weekly Message

Hi mama!

As I reflect on my journey into motherhood, I realize that achieving true joy in this role is about finding balance, embracing imperfection, and cultivating gratitude. It's about prioritizing self-care and carving out moments of peace amidst the daily hustle and bustle. To achieve joyful motherhood, I’ve had to learn to be kind to myself, forgive my shortcomings, and celebrate the small victories. I’ve had to come out of my shell and surround myself with a supportive community, seek help when I need it, and constantly remind myself to cherish every precious moment spent with my little one.

Ok sure Liz, that’s nice in theory but how does it work in practice? Well, joyful motherhood looks different for everyone, but here are some things that have helped me get there:

1. Establishing routines that work for both me and my child to create a sense of stability and predictability.

2. Creating a comfortable and organized living space that promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

3. Prioritizing self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that replenish my energy and nourish my soul.

4. Setting realistic expectations and letting go of the pressure to be a "perfect" mother.

5. Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups to share experiences and seek advice when needed.

6. Practicing mindfulness and gratitude to stay present in the moment and appreciate the joys of motherhood, even during challenging times.

7. Setting goals to help me focus on what matters and let go of the minor details, allowing me to prioritize my time and energy on activities that bring me and my family joy and fulfillment.

Ultimately, it's about embracing the beautiful journey of motherhood with an open heart and a sense of gratitude for the gift of raising a child. Remember, everyday is an opportunity to find joy in simple moments and create lasting memories with your little one.

EAT: If you're searching for an easy weeknight dinner, Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs are a hit! They're gluten-free, and I swapped out the heavy cream for coconut cream to make it dairy-free, and it was delicious. Emi isn't a big meat eater, but she enjoyed them, and I made extra to keep them in the fridge for emergencies. [Link to recipe]

LOVE: Reusable anything, especially silicone containers, are my kryptonite. Here are my two favorites for on-the-go snacks: reusable bags and pouches. [Link to silicone containers and pouches]

PRODUCTIVITY: Here's Mel Robbins's easy trick to help you stop procrastinating.

TRAVEL: Is it too early to plan a summer vacation? UNESCO has announced new Geoparks, and 11 are in Europe.

Here’s some news from outside mommy world to keep you in the loop.

Working 9-5, and that’s it.

Does the sleepy girl mocktail really work?

It’s ok to be unlikable.

MOVEMENT: This week, I’ll be setting up a Bean Bag Toss game for Emi. It’s a pretty straightforward activity: just set up a target (a basket or a hoop) and have your toddler toss bean bags or soft balls into it from a short distance away. This activity is great for hand-eye coordination and aiming skills.

SENSORY: If you're looking for a mess-free and safe-to-eat activity, I've got you covered: fruit sorting! I do this activity basically every week because I can make a few changes and it becomes a different experience. All you need to do is pick out a few fruits, prepare several sorting trays or containers, and designate specific criteria for sorting, such as color, size, or type of fruit. Encourage your little one to explore the fruits, sort them into the designated categories, and engage in discussions about the characteristics of each fruit as they sort. This activity is great for fine motor skills, cognitive development, and language learning.

MUSIC: If you don’t want to spend a small fortune on cute little instruments like I have, consider creating homemade musical instruments using household items. This week, we’ll be making shakers using empty containers filled with rice and turning our pots into a full drum set. Even if you have tons of instruments, encouraging your toddler to explore new sounds can be a great way to foster creativity.

LANGUAGE: I stole this idea from my cousin, and it's a hot tip for all the no-screen or limited-screen mamas out there. This genius angel mama learns Ms Rachel’s songs and performs them for her little one, reaping all the benefits of the catchy songs without racking up screen time.

MINDFULNESS: This week, I'm planning to introduce Emi to a new mindfulness activity I learned from my mother-in-law: eating an orange mindfully. It's a simple yet meaningful way to engage her senses and teach her to appreciate the present moment. As we sit together, I'll guide Emi to observe the bright color of the orange, feel its texture, smell its citrusy scent, and savor each juicy segment slowly. I'm excited to share this practice with her and help her develop sensory awareness, patience, and a deeper connection to the world around her.

NATURE: I'm obsessed with scavenger hunts, so I keep making these little printables. Here's a springtime one, a color one, and for the bigger kids, here's a more challenging one. Have fun!

SOCIAL: Mama, I need your feedback!

For the past few weeks, I’ve felt that I'm not providing a lot of value with the social category. I'm constantly hunting down moms to organize playdates – you get it. So, I’ve been brainstorming other ideas that might be more valuable. I’m thinking either practical skills or art.

If you have a preference or another idea, hit reply and let me know.

I would love to hear from you!