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| Me, Karen, Mandy, Tiffany, Saren |
I have been avoiding this post for a while because I didn't think that what I would write would do justice to the experience that I've had with
The Power of Moms, my obsession as of late. My personal description of The Power of Moms is: an organization of mothers, mothers in all kinds of different positions and stages of life, with the same goal- to be
deliberate about being a mom. Moms who feel like rearing and teaching children is the most important job on earth. Moms who understand that the decisions they make as a mother guide not only their lives, but the lives of their children and families. Moms who want to create an atmosphere in their homes where children learn the lessons of life and build character so they can be strong, responsible contributors to the world. Moms that I want to be around and talk to and learn from.
I started reading articles on the website several months ago (
this one is my favorite to start with). When I learned more about the retreats that they have- I wanted to go. I didn't know what to expect from a retreat, but in a complete stroke of
serendipity, I was treated to two days of immeasurable, empowering, practical information about motherhood- the kind I needed and absolutely loved to hear. Here is a little excerpt from a thank you note I wrote to the organizers:
A few months ago, some fellow mothers and I decided that we needed a "getaway". We left our homes at 5pm on a Friday evening (after Dads got home from work) and went to a friend's cabin. We were home the next day after lunch. It was less than 24 hours, but we did our best to relax. Before the overnight, I told one of my friends that the thing I was the most excited about was being able to sit down on a comfy couch...and not HAVE TO GET UP. Not have to get up and get anyone anything or pick anyone up or make anyone food. I was clearly in need of some sort of break. The overnight was divine. We ate wonderful food, soaked in a hot tub, talked until all hours of the night. Pure fun and no responsibility.
The funny thing was that all I wanted after those hours of break...was more break. When I got home, everything was the same. People still needed me to get them things and fix their problems and make them a sandwich. I felt like getting back in the car that very instant.
The Power of Moms Retreat was miraculous. Meeting other moms with the same desires to change, hearing answers to questions I had, learning ways to do things I badly wanted to do as a mother but didn't know how. I enjoyed literally every minute of it. It was uplifting and inspiring. The food was delicious, the conversations were moving. The whole event was like a little hand-tied package and inside was a gift personalized just for me: the gift I have always wanted for every Mother's Day, Christmas, and Birthday in years. It was the gift of hope, knowledge, and promise to be able to become the mother I always wanted to be. And that mother is not the mother across the street, or that one of my high school friends who seems to be the perfect mother in every way. The mother I'm talking about is me. The best me I can be. For the first time I saw myself as the mother I always wanted to be. And that is a gift that is truly priceless.
The funny thing was, when I got home from the Power of Moms retreat...everything was the same. People still needed me to get them things and fix their problems and make them a sandwich. But this time...I was different. I scooped them all up into my arms and smiled at them. Over the past few days, I have had more patience than I thought existed inside of me. I have taken care of their needs (and my own) with more of me to spare. How is this possible? Because I see motherhood differently now. Motherhood is my gift...to me.
I feel like there is a lot of information "out there" about how to dress your kids well, make an adorable DIY nursery for your baby, refinish old furniture for kids' bedrooms, put on a fantastic kids birthday party complete with homemade cake, party favors, and games, how to make the best chocolate chip cookies, the best and newest apps for kids, etc. There is even a ton of stuff now about how to be a super cute mom with a great fashion sense and a tight body, with links to awesome work-outs and online boutique stores with one of a kind items.
I don't feel like this is the information I need to teach children responsibility, work ethic, confidence, tolerance, patience, service, gratitude, love, obedience, respect and all the other things I think will make them amazing grown-up people. I think those other things are worthwhile and can be great additions to my life (I'd love to refinish and old piece of furniture!), but for right now- I'd like to find out a way I can get Elly to stop whining "I don't want to go bed" each and every night. And Power of Moms has already helped me with a couple of ideas to try. (Another post on "Obey Land" coming up).
If you have the same motherhood goals as I do and need a resource to empower you to be the best mom you can be, check out
Power of Moms. Seriously. And keep your eyes peeled for the next retreat in your area because you will absolutely LOVE it!
