Self Bliss

Mother’s Day (or Any Day)

Mother’s Day is approaching, the day we celebrate not only our own moms, grandmas, sisters, and those “like-a-mother” figures in our lives, but a good day to celebrate ourselves!  For all that we women do, raising these tiny humans, managing households, keeping the family together, often while simultaneously holding down full-time jobs, we deserve some recognition.  Or even just a rest!

Here’s some ideas for “gifts” for Mom that aren’t the traditional “flowers and chocolate”, something she (or you) will truly appreciate!  Share this post with your own loved ones as a hint for what they can get you!  And not just for Mother’s Day.  These ideas work great for birthdays, special occasions, or just a way to say “Hey, I see you.  I notice all the hard work and sacrifice you are making, every day”.

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When Super Mom Is Down For The Count

You wear multiple hats as a single mom (and likely a super mom cape); chef, housecleaner, taxi driver, breadwinner, kisser-of-booboos.  It’s the ultimate job keeping everyone fed and watered, entertained, educated, happy and healthy.  Especially when someone is down for the count with this flu bug, that cold (and by the way…the “man cold” starts in the teen years, just sayin’), or heaven forbid, a broken bone or serious health issue (typed as I knock on wood and cross all my fingers and toes…we have not visited an emergency room yet!)

But what happens when it’s you, the super mom, that’s down for the count?  When whatever germ or virus of the week makes the complete round of the house and lands squarely on you?  Or when a health issue arises and you’re facing a recovery period?

It’s not as easy for us single moms who don’t have a partner you can tag in for a round.  And even those with significant others, sometimes they aren’t available (or that supportive).  So what can you do when you’re “down for the count”?  Here’s a list of 7 things that will come in handy the next time you’re under the weather, or having to go under the knife….

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For The Love Of Writing

Since I was a child, I have always been writing.  Stories, poems, thoughts and secrets written in a diary.  I loved English class, book reports, essays, creative writing projects.  But oddly enough, it was only in the last few years that I have called myself a writer.  I haven’t published a book, never submitted to a writing contest, and until this blog, didn’t publicly post online (under my own name at least…but that’s another story).

But I have volumes of writing dating back decades.  And still to this day I write in a journal, almost daily.  It is part of my self-care routine, how I cope with stress, and how I untangle the “knots” in my life. (You can read more about my other strategies for managing stress here).  When I fall out of habit, I notice.  My thoughts are more scattered, I don’t deal as well with frustration, and am more prone to turn to negative ways of coping (like a full-on, total carb-fest!)

Journaling isn’t difficult to do.  You only need a few basic supplies like pen and paper.  But I have found that kicking it up a notch, gathering supplies together, putting in some thought to the process, gives it a bit more meaning, thus making it more likely to become habit.  There are no rules, no templates to follow.  Don’t concern yourself with spelling and grammar (unless you’re a bit obsessed about that, like me…).  Make it as short as a few sentences, or as long as a few pages, whatever feels right in the moment.

Here is a list of my list of Must Have Supplies for Creative Journaling……

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Podcasts are a relatively new-to-me addition to my entertainment line-up.  Music, movies, books and magazines have always been staples my whole life.  But podcasts are only something I discovered and really got into in the last few years.  I first starting listening at home, while housecleaning or making dinner.  However, lately with driving and dropping the boys here and there all over the place for their activities (I am squarely in the “chauffeur” era of motherhood…sigh!), podcasts are definitely keeping me company in the car!  I love the Bluetooth!

Before I get into which podcasts I love, I should mention my favourite podcast app!  I started with the standard podcast app that came with my iPhone. This worked fine, and I really didn’t know any different.  However, a few months ago I discovered the Overcast app, and I am IN LOVE!!  I can create customized playlists, and speed up or slow down the playback.

Serial and Undisclosed

My first podcast experience definitely spoiled me, and set the bar high for podcasts in general.  Serial, an award-winning true crime podcast that became a cultural phenomenon, instantly hooked me, and I found myself immersed in the Season 1 real-life story that is still unfolding today.  An offshoot podcast, Undisclosed, delves further into this same story of Adnan Sayed, from a more legal standpoint, analyzing both the Serial podcast and new evidence uncovered….

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