I want to introduce you to a really funny, practical new book for moms. My friend, mom-writer and speaker Jenn Doucette, has written Mama Said There'd Be Days Like These to encourage her fellow mothers-in-the-trenches.
I read it this week and laughed out loud several times. (I never do that!) It was a great reminder of the things that are really important, and the message is so important that I hope the book sells like hotcakes.
To peak your interest, here's a short interview with the talented and hilarious Ms. Doucette:
--Why should moms take time for themselves?
Every mom needs to take a time out now and then. When we don’t, we risk a breakdown, a collision, or burnout.
If you are a fellow mom on the road of life, don’t jeopardize your parenting and your health by speeding through life. Do yourself a favor and take care of yourself. When you do, you’ll discover you’re much better equipped to take care of your children – you’ll even enjoy it more!
---Why are friendships important?
Here’s a great quote I found by author Laura Jensen Walker in her book, Girl Time:
“I need my girlfriend time. I start to go into withdrawal if I go too long without it. And it’s not pretty.”
A truly good friend will bring out “the fun girl” that so often disappears in the midst of the parenting trenches. A good friend commiserates about challenges of motherhood, and encourages you to persevere. I’ve found, too, that my friends help keep my perspective and priorities balanced.
Here are a few fun “girl time” activities I’ve enjoyed over the years:
Chick Flick Movie Nights – get a group of friends together for a chick movie. Some of my personal favorites are: Pride & Prejudice, Phantom of the Opera, Emma, Return to Me, and Ever After.
Spa Night: Bring your toe polish, lotion, and take turns soaking your feet in a warm soapy basin while swapping favorite books with each other.
Birthday Bash: Six friends and I get together three times a year to celebrate our birthdays. It works out that many of us share birthday months. This takes the pressure off my hubby to plan a party and gives me some needed Girl Time every June, November, and March.
---How do you find the "funnies in the yuckies of life"?
I try to step back and see the bigger picture. Usually that means stuffing down my pride, slurping on humble pie, and admitting I’m not completely in control and on top of things. Of course not everything has a funny side, but most things do! And the experts agree; a few of the benefits to having a Laughter Therapy mindset include:
-lowered blood sugar
- reduced stress hormones
- release of endorphins (natural pain killers)
- during a good belly laugh, it’s possible for all 400 muscles of the body to move
- if you laugh for an hour you can burn up to 500 calories!
THANKS, Jenn!
