Steady Mom

The Story Behind Steady Days

Photo by Leland Francisco

A note from Jamie: Last year when my book launched, about 700 of you were reading in this space. I thought some of you new readers might be interested in hearing this behind the scenes look at Steady Days. (Thanks to ALL readers, old and new -- you're incredible!)

This post was first published on January 10, 2010.

 

So here we are, the launch of Steady Days. Today represents a beautifully eerie, coming full-circle sort of feeling for me.

For the past two years--while I've labored in love on this little project, one quote has impacted and fueled me like none other. It's kept me going through dark times of self-doubt, and also brought a smile to my face on days when words flowed easily.

The following words were written by Marianne Williamson and used by Nelson Mandela in his 1994 Inaugural Speech:

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us most. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and famous?"

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in all of us.

And when we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

This image of a light shining is vivid and precious to me--because it takes me right back to how Steady Days began.

Priorities: The Right Place to Start

Written by Steady Mom contributor Cortney of Praiseworthy

Last night I said good night to my two daughters and smothered them with kisses. And I mean really smothered them with kisses. They giggled and laughed and their eyes lit up. Usually I read stories, say prayers, and then sing to them while they fall asleep. But that routine includes a single kiss and an “I love you” and that is it.

Not this time--this time the kisses were endless, the hugs were squeeze-me-tight-and-don’t-let-go, and their eyes sparkled with sweet and pure joy. I loved it--I loved every minute of it. And so did they.

Each year I set goals and try to start the new year with a good guideline for myself. When it comes to being self-motivated, time conscious, and task oriented--that’s me, totally ‘type A.’

So goal setting has always been a big part of what I do. But now, only a few weeks into the new year, I am at the point where my goals and resolutions are beginning to prove themselves either worthy and attainable, or impractical and forgettable.

Showering my daughters with a nightly smothering of kisses has never been on my list of New Year's resolutions or goals.

I have always been taught that goals should be specific and measurable. For example, instead of saying, “I will do the laundry,” it is better to say, “I will finish folding and putting away all the laundry before dinner.”

How to Balance Structure and Flexibility in Your Life as Mom

Photo by Clyde Robinson

I'm currently soaring through the air on my way to spend the next few days at Blissdom. If you're coming too, keep an eye out for the happy lady in the glasses - that will be me!

Please say hi--I'd be so honored to meet you.

Today I'm also blessed to be sharing over at my friend Jessica's lovely blog Life as Mom.

From my post:

This Moment :: Snow

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, join in over at SouleMama.