Bravery..and Building a Business for Moms
I just came off a crazy year..like you may have experienced. I taught third grade virtually during a world-wide pandemic. I loved my students so much (and their parents and learning coaches too). They brought joy to my days. But I was living a strange dichotomy. I would work to rock my professional teaching job-I recorded read alouds, created videos and Google slides, met with my class over Zoom, worked on a podcast for my school, and emailed students back and forth all day long. But then . . it was time to go home, and I was exhausted. I didn’t have a lot left to give to my family..and especially to my own kids. I would pick up my oldest son from junior high, come in the door and honestly collapse on my bed. I’d been running since 5:30am..and my body couldn’t take any more. I would nap for 45 minutes, then get up for my second shift. It was time to make dinner, hear about my family’s day, make lunches, run the dishwasher, sweep the floor, and if I had energy..run a load of laundry, then fall asleep reading with my youngest son.
It was exciting, but somewhat soul-draining. The extra income was nice..but it just wasn’t worth it to our family. Ultimately it was my decision to turn down a contract for this school year. I know not everyone can choose to step away, and I feel for them from the depths of my soul. I’ve been there. I’ve lived it. It’s hard stuff, and you never really feel like you’ve got either work or momming completely covered, perfected, or sometimes under control.
Thinking back over my time as a younger mom, I remembered other seriously difficult times. I still pray for the me of years past-the one with two in diapers, a house to clean, dinner to create, and a mind on the verge of being lost. I remember years later pacing with my fourth colicky baby, and praying that someday I could help moms in that very situation. When you are at your wit’s end, your baby won’t stop crying . . and you just want a shower or a nap. I could’ve sworn to you that I’d be a better mom if I could just sleep for an hour.
I remembered this me from years ago-and decided to take a really brave step. For me, it was excruciating to step out in faith (and I guess this is what faith really is, isn’t it? The not knowing). I really want to help moms in their difficult days. I am willing to be brave enough to be bad at helping moms do this hard thing. I’ll do my best, I’ll show up, I’ll try, I’ll serve, even if I’m not great at it. I will have done the thing I dreamed might make life easier for some moms.
When I was teaching last year, my teacher friends were such amazing cheerleaders. When I brought them flowers I grew, or made paninis or brownies for everyone or left them notes, they always had the kindest words. They encouraged me to build a mom business; they pointed out my strengths to me. I can’t think them enough for their positive words and motivation. I may feel super brave taking this step, but I was definitely helped, cheered on, and inspired by these sweet women.
I’m still working on my logo and branding, my website, social media, and the services I’d love to offer. I have so much yet to learn. I don’t have a business degree, so I am humbled by all that I don’t know . . and all the help I’m receiving. ASBTDC (Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center) has been amazing, and my consultant, Lindsay, is simply the best. She’s also a mom, so she gets it.
I hope I am able to encourage and serve others, to make their lives better, and to help families thrive together. I am brave though scared, honored yet humbled, and prayerful. Please accept my very best intentions to help you love your family.
love, mom
ps-this sweet brave art is a free wallpaper from Lillian Liming, click to get it for yourself. : )
