advocate

 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6

As a mom, you are already juggling so many things in your life. From educating and tending to your family’s health needs to managing your household’s finances, it can be overwhelming at times. That’s why it is important to set and prioritize some financial goals that you can work towards over time. Let’s look at some of the best financial goals for moms who want to take a holistic approach with their finances. 

Having an emergency savings fund is essential for any mom looking to take a holistic approach with her finances. By setting aside money each month—no matter how small—you can build up an emergency fund that can be used when unexpected expenses arise, such as medical bills or car repairs. Having this type of cushion will reduce stress and give you peace of mind knowing that you have something in place should the need arise. You can make this a SMART goal by deciding how much you will set aside each month, when you will take it out (the sooner the better so it's not a temptation to use otherwise), and how much you want saved by a certain date.  Even if you have to give up something that's not a necessity to make it happen, it is worth it!

High-interest debt such as credit card debt can be difficult to get out from under if not managed properly. One great financial goal would be to focus on paying off high-interest debt as quickly as possible. This could mean making larger payments than usual or focusing more energy on finding ways to make extra income in order to pay off the debt faster. Taking this approach will save you money in the long run because less interest will accumulate over time, leaving more money in your pocket each month when all is said and done.  Focus on one debt at a time until that is all paid off, then move to the next.  Make this a SMART goal by setting a date to have each debt paid off, but also by choosing the amount to pay them down each month.  

It is a good idea to have some career goals if you are currently working or if you are a stay-at-home mom and plan on working in the future. This could include taking classes or attending workshops that will help you stay sharp in your field of expertise. You can make this a SMART goal by setting a date to get promoted or increase your income by a certain percentage within a certain period of time. These types of goals will help ensure that you are able to maximize your earning potential and increase your wealth over time. Stay-at-home moms have options, too.  There are many ways you can  learn and earn while being at home with your kids.  

Another great financial goal for moms is investing in retirement funds such as IRAs or 401(k) plans if they are available through your or your husband's employer or financial planner. Investing in retirement funds now can help secure one's financial future down the road when they are ready to retire or semi-retire from their current job position. It is important to start investing early so there is plenty of time for those investments to grow before retirement age arrives! The sooner you start the better on this one - retirement may seem like it is far away, but it will come faster than you think.  Make this a SMART goal by choosing the amount to invest each month.  

Setting financial goals is an important part of being a mom since it helps ensure that one's finances are managed responsibly while also providing peace of mind regarding one’s future security. For moms who want to take a holistic approach with their finances, setting career goals, creating an emergency savings fund, tackling high-interest debt payoffs, and investing in retirement funds are all great options worth considering! With clear planning and dedication, these types of goals will help any mom reach her desired financial destination!

 Part 8

 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

As moms, we juggle so many responsibilities and roles that taking care of our social health can sometimes take a backseat. However, setting and achieving social goals is just as important to your overall wellbeing as any other goal – if not more so! I've put together this guide to provide some ideas on how to set yourself up for meaningful relationships with other moms who share your same interests. 

One of the best things you can do is find a community of like-minded moms who share your same values and interests. Check out local mommy meet-ups, join a natural parenting support group in your area, or find a local church to attend. You can also join an online forum or Facebook group specifically for holistic moms. Not only will these communities provide emotional support and understanding, but you’ll be able to learn from one another and share what works for your family and what doesn't.  Being intentional about finding groups that align with your beliefs will go a long way to help you feel connected both locally and online and you will be able to nurture friendships that may last a lifetime! Make this a SMART goal by doing one intentional thing each day to find/participate in your community.

It's easy to get overwhelmed by all of the demands placed on us as mothers, so make sure you're taking time each week (or even each day) to focus on yourself and practice self-care. Take a yoga class, go for a run, or spend some time alone at the beach – anything that allows you to relax and recharge. Taking care of yourself will help ensure that you have the energy needed to take care of everyone else in your life too!  If your self-care includes others, as in a fitness class or walking with a friend - that's a big bonus!  Make this a SMART goal by setting aside a certain amount of time each day to focus on self-care.

The best way to form deep connections with others is by sharing common interests or passions. Think about activities like going shopping together, attending concerts or plays, or joining book clubs, fitness or cooking classes. If there's something specific that you're interested in learning more about, look into courses offered at local colleges or universities – they often offer classes during evenings and weekends specifically designed for adult learners.  This is also a great opportunity to brush up on skills that may have been rusty since having children or starting a career!  When you are learning with others, you can develop great friendships! Make this a smart goal by setting aside time to find the classes/activities you would like, and then choosing how much time you will put into them.

Making social goals an important part of your life doesn't have to be overwhelming; start small by focusing on forming relationships with people who make you feel good about yourself and treat you with respect. Find opportunities in your area where you can connect with like-minded moms who share your values and interests – whether it’s joining an online forum or taking classes at the local community center – then take time out each week (or even each day) for self-care activities that allow you to relax and recharge. With some dedication and effort, setting social goals will help ensure that both you and your family are living balanced lives filled with meaningful relationships!

 Part 7, Part 8

 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

It’s easy for busy moms to get overwhelmed with all that life throws at us. Oftentimes, the last thing on their minds is making time for themselves. However, it’s important to stay mentally active and engaged in order to be the best mom you can be. Here are some mental goals you could set this year! 

One of the best ways to stimulate your mind is to pick an area of focus each year. Whether this means diving into a specific subject or hobby, learning a new language, or picking up a new skill, having something that makes you feel personally fulfilled can make all the difference. Not only will this help take your mind off of everyday stressors, but it will also help expand your knowledge and give you something tangible to strive for. Plus, the new skills you learn may come in handy in the future!  Make sure you apply what you have learned, as that leads to mastery.  Make this a SMART goal by setting aside the time to chose your area of focus, and then deciding how much time you will take each day/week, and setting a date to accomplish or master your new skill.

What better way to stay mentally engaged than by joining a book club? This doesn’t just mean reading books; it means discussing them with others who have read them too! Not only will this keep your brain sharp and engaged as you discuss different aspects of the book, but it also gives you an opportunity to make friends who share similar interests. Plus, if you ever need advice on what book to read next, you’ll always have someone willing to offer recommendations!  I have almost always been a part of a book club, I love it!  I've made amazing friends and have learned so much, and it doesn't even matter what kind of books you are reading - I've been in classical, contemporary, self-help, and business book clubs.  Make this a SMART goal by setting a date to finish each book and setting aside the time to read and participate in the book club.

Creative activities such as painting, drawing, or knitting can do wonders for both your physical and mental health. They provide an outlet for frustration and stress while also inspiring creativity. If you haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years, now is the perfect time to start back up again (or start from scratch). You don’t need any special skills either; there are plenty of resources online that teach artistic techniques step-by-step. So grab some supplies, find a great YouTube teacher, and get creative today!  This is something fun you can do with your kids, as well.  It sets a great example for them to see you learning new things ad you can learn together! Make this a SMART goal by setting a date to finish each activity you choose.                                   

Mental goals are essential for busy moms who want to keep their minds sharp and engaged throughout the year. From picking an area of focus or learning a new skill, joining a book club with friends or getting creative with paintbrushes – there are plenty of ways stay mentally active without sacrificing too much time away from family or other responsibilities. Setting mental goals not only helps take your mind off daily stressors but also provides tangible results that can be carried over into other areas of life such as problem solving skills, patience and more! So challenge yourself today – set some mental goals and see where they take you!

 Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

Are you a mom who is looking to set goals that you can actually achieve? If so, you’re in the right place! The new year is a great time to make sure that your goals encompass all aspects of life—physical, spiritual, mental, social, and financial—so that you can achieve a truly holistic approach to goal setting. Let’s get started! 

The first step in any successful goal-setting journey is to ensure that your goals are SMART. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. Without these five components working together in harmony, it’s unlikely that your goals will be effective or achievable. For example, if your goal is “I want to be healthier,” then it won’t be as effective as “I want to lose 10 lbs by March 1st by eating whole foods and exercising for 45 minutes four times per week.” See the difference? The second goal has all the components of a SMART goal and provides you with an action plan. It also has built-in accountability because you have an attainable timeline and measurable results.  

Physical goals are often the most popular when it comes to goal setting because they are tangible and measurable (hello, SMART!), but they can also be difficult to stick with because they require dedication and hard work. Some physical goals may include running a 5K race or losing weight through diet or exercise. However, physical health doesn't just mean hitting the gym; it also includes eating the right foods and getting enough restful sleep every night so that you can take on each day with energy and enthusiasm. Additionally, physical health involves taking time for yourself – whether this means scheduling time for yoga or simply taking 20 minutes out of your day for a relaxing hot bath – so that you can recharge both mentally and physically.  

  

Spiritual Goals 

Spiritual growth involves connecting with God and our own inner wisdom so we can manifest our greatest desires while staying true to ourselves along the way. Spiritual goals may look different from person to person; some may involve daily prayer and attending church regularly, while others may bring intentionality into their daily meditations or engage in mindful activities like journaling or creative arts projects. Whatever form these spiritual goals take on in your life should align with what brings peace and clarity into your everyday life.   

Mental Goals 

Mental goals refer to activities that stimulate and challenge your mind. These could include learning a new language, getting back into painting or drawing after years away from practice, or playing chess with friends every Sunday afternoon.  These could also include joining a book club or picking an area of focus to learn about for the year.  Anything that keeps the mind active and engaged is a great way to stay sharp this year!  

Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, Part 8

Navigating the health care system can be overwhelming and intimidating, especially if you’re trying to advocate for yourself and your family. As a mom, it can feel like a constant battle to get the care you need, but with some strategic self-advocacy tactics, you can empower yourself to move beyond simply accepting what doctors tell you. In this blog post we'll explore how moms of all backgrounds can approach healthcare providers armed with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions about their own health and wellbeing.

As a patient, you have certain rights that you should be aware of. These rights include the right to receive information about your diagnosis, the right to participate in decision-making about your care, the right to refuse treatment, and the right to access your medical records. It is important to understand these rights so that you can assert them if necessary.  Ask your medical professional to give you a copy of the patient's bill of rights and to read it to you.  That way you both hear the same things and can be on the same page.

If you feel like you are not being heard or respected by your healthcare team, it is important to speak up for yourself. This can be difficult, but it is important to remember that you are the expert on your own body and you deserve to have a say in your care.  If your medical professional will not listen to you ore respect your opinion, knowledge. or personal research, you do not have to continue with that same person!

In order to get the best possible care, it is important to be informed about your own care. This means asking questions, providing information about your symptoms and health history, and following up with your healthcare team after appointments.  This also means reading all the information given to you, including inserts for medications (including vaccinations).

There are many things you can do outside of the doctor’s office to advocate for your own health. This includes staying informed about your condition, staying up-to-date on treatments and research, and joining support groups or online communities.  This also includes finding information on alternative treatments, therapies, and diet that you can actively participate in to support yourself at home.

If you are not comfortable with the care you are receiving from your current healthcare team, you have the right to seek a second opinion from another provider. This can be a helpful way to get more information about your condition and treatment options.  This can be even more helpful if your current healthcare professionals are not of the same mindset in treatments. 

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how we advocate for ourselves in health care. I'm not talking about insurance companies or the government, but rather our individual interactions with medical professionals. Whether it's asking tough questions, getting second opinions or standing up for what we believe in, self-advocacy is essential to getting the best possible care. But advocating for oneself can be difficult and sometimes even scary. So I wanted to open up the conversation and see how others do it. Do you have any tips or tricks for self-advocating? Let me know in the comments below!