family

 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

As a mom, it can be difficult to find time for yourself amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It often feels like there is no time left to focus on our spiritual wellbeing. But setting spiritual goals can help us stay connected with God and our inner selves while also manifesting greater peace and clarity in our lives. Let’s take a look at why spiritual goals are important and how moms can incorporate them into their daily lives. 

Spiritual goals have the power to provide us with clarity and direction in our lives by helping us create deeper connections with God, ourselves, and those around us. They can also help us feel God’s inspiration guiding us and tap into our intuition so we can make decisions that align with our values and beliefs— something that is especially important for moms who are trying to raise their children with love, understanding, and respect. Not only that, but setting spiritual goals gives you something to strive for—and what better way to show your kids how important it is to grow spiritually than by being an example? 

Setting spiritual goals doesn’t have to be overwhelming; it’s all about taking small steps every day. For example, some moms may choose to dedicate 10 minutes each morning or evening for silent meditation or prayer (I love adding essential oils into my prayer and meditation practice.  It enhances the experience and inspiration); others may prefer mindful activities such as reading God’s word, journaling, or creative arts projects. No matter what form these spiritual goals take on in your life, they should bring peace and clarity into your everyday life. Additionally, sharing your journey towards achieving these goals with your children can be a powerful way to demonstrate the importance of staying connected spiritually. You can make these SMART goals be adding specifics on what you will do, when, for how much time, etc. (or if you are reading - a finish date).

  

No matter where you are in your journey towards achieving spiritual growth, setting spiritual goals is an excellent way for moms to stay connected with God and their own inner wisdom while providing valuable examples for their children along the way. From daily meditations and prayers to mindful activities like reading the Bible, journaling, or creative arts projects, there are plenty of ways moms can incorporate spiritual goals into their daily routine—and all it takes is a little bit of determination! So don’t forget: when it comes down to spirituality, it’s all about taking small steps every day towards manifesting greater peace and clarity in your life!  I have felt so much peace as I read God’s word with prayer and journaling the answers I am led to.  This practice has been a game-changer for me.  I know it can be for you, too!  

  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!

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and fun. But they can also be a time of stress. There's the pressure to find the perfect gifts, make everything just right, and please everyone. Not to mention all the end-of-year deadlines at work. It's no wonder that so many people dread the holiday season! 

But it doesn't have to be that way. With a little planning and some creativity, you can take the stress out of the holidays and make them joyful and fun for everyone. Here are some of the best family activities to make your holiday season merry and bright.

1. Get outside and get active. There's nothing like some good old-fashioned fresh air to clear your head and boost your mood. And when you're cooped up inside all day, it's easy to get cabin fever. So go for a hike, build a snowman, or just take a walk around the block. You'll come back feeling refreshed and ready to face whatever the holidays throw your way.  We just went to the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, CA.  It was a beautiful day and was great to be outside observing those fascinating insects!

2. Make homemade presents. One of the best ways to save money and reduce stress during the holidays is to make your own gifts. Not only will you save money, but you'll also Avoid dealing with crowds at malls and stores. And your friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness of a handmade gift. Just be sure to start early so you don't end up rushing at the last minute!

 3. Bake holiday treats together. What better way to spread holiday cheer than by making delicious treats? Get your kids involved in the kitchen by having them help you bake cookies, gingerbread houses (try to leave these up for a few days at least before eating them!), or other festive snacks. Not only will you create some great memories (and maybe even new traditions), but you'll also have something tasty to eat when you're done!

5. Give back to others in need. The holidays are about more than just receiving gifts—they're also about giving back to those less fortunate than us. Seeing firsthand how much we have to be thankful for can help put our own problems into perspective. And what better way to teach our children the true meaning of the season? There are many ways to give back, so find one that suits your family's interests and abilities. You could volunteer at a soup kitchen, help decorate a senior citizens' home, or collect toys for children in need. Whatever you do, spreading holiday cheer is sure to make everyone in your family feel good!

The holiday season should be a time for joy—not stress! By taking some simple steps and getting creative, you can make sure that your holidays are fun for everyone in your family. So get outside, make homemade presents, bake festive treats together, have a movie marathon night, and give back to those less fortunate. With these tips, you're sure to have a holiday season that's merry and bright!

Are you a mom feeling like she's not getting the health care she needs? Do you feel lost in how to get what’s best for your body and health today, as well as into the future? Self-advocating in healthcare can seem daunting but it doesn't have to be. In this blog post we explore actionable steps you can take to better understand, communicate and work with traditional medical practitioners--leading to healthier outcomes for you and your family!

One of the most important things you can do when it comes to self-advocating in healthcare is to know your rights. Every patient has the right to receive quality healthcare, and you should never feel like you are being treated unfairly or receiving sub-par care. If you feel like your rights are not being respected, don't hesitate to speak up.  This is especially important when you prefer alternative treatments.  The mainstream way of doing things many times is at odds with natural ways of doing things.  You deserve respect even if and especially if you disagree with what you have been told is the "best" treatment.

Another important thing to remember when self-advocating in healthcare is that you need to be an active participant in your own care. This means asking questions, doing research, and making sure that you understand ALL of the options available to you.  Not just the options given in a doctor's office. It's also important to communicate openly with your healthcare team and to make sure that they are aware of your preferences and needs.  You must be open with your communication so your preferences are known.  

When it comes to self-advocating in healthcare, it's not just about advocating for yourself—it's also about advocating for others. This includes speaking up if you witness someone else being treated unfairly or receiving sub-par care. It's also important to educate yourself and others about patients' rights so that everyone can be better informed and prepared to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings. As a mom, advocating for your children is top priority as they cannot advocate for themselves yet.  As they get older, talk with them and help them practice advocating for themselves so they will be confident once they reach the age when they will need to do it for themselves.

If at first you don't succeed in getting the healthcare you deserve, don't give up—be persistent. Remember that you have a right to quality care, and you should never settle for anything less. This can be a little time consuming, and involve a lot of phone calls and emails, but your persistence will pay off.  Many times, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease."  Don't give up!

There are times when self-advocating in healthcare can be overwhelming, and it's important to know when to seek help from a professional. If you are dealing with a complex health issue or if you feel like you're not getting anywhere on your own, reach out to a patient advocate or other professional who can help you navigate the system and get the care you need.

By self-advocating in healthcare - you're being smart and proactive. The reality is that most medical professionals are incredibly busy and have set preferences, and it's important to be your own advocate when it comes to your health. By asking questions, getting second opinions, and doing your own research, you can make sure that you're getting the best possible care. So don't be afraid to speak up for yourself - your health is worth it! What do you do to advocate for yourself with medical professionals? Share your tips in the comments below!