Archives For leader

My pride for you

May 26, 2013

(Dedicated to the not-so-little men in my life.)

I see you try your hardest. I see you shine even when things don’t go your way. When your character is truly tested.

It’s easy to be a leader when everything comes easily. The true test is how you react to adversity.

You didn’t ask to have an overly competitive mom. A mom who doesn’t sugar coat. A mom who will tell you all the ways you can improve.

You say you know how proud I am of you, but do you really?

Yes I am proud of your physical abilities, but I am absolutely floored by your mental toughness.

You won’t always make the right decisions; in fact, you will make some pretty bad ones. But you will know when you’re wrong.

That’s all I can ask for.

To have the capacity to realize those moments when you should stop in your tracks and flip a 180.

This crazy life is much like the games you play.

There will be winners, losers, cheaters, heroes, and those who are content to sit on the sidelines watching the action unfold.

You will be admired by some, and will watch others hoping to glean a bit of their wisdom and talent.

Be humble in all you do. Because greatness is but a fleeting memory.

Reinvent yourself. Surprise not only the people you are trying to impress, but also those you may never know are watching you.

Trophies will tarnish.

My pride for you will not.

I assumed the days of summer would be a special chapter in your young lives. What I didn’t anticipate was how meaningful this time would be for me and your dad too.

Thanks for letting us come along for the ride.

Created by Heidi Woodard

In Kids, Love, Reflection , , , , , , , , , ,
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H.E.L.P.

November 1, 2012

If there’s one thing I learned while working over a decade in health insurance, it’s that you can never use enough random acronyms. So H.E.L.P. today is not a cry for assistance, but rather a declaration about Honoring Every Little Piece of one’s self.

When’s the last time you took the time to slow down and look at the person staring back at you in the mirror?

As a mom, I am constantly second guessing everything I do…every…single…second.

Did I wake up early enough to help my kids get ready or did I fall into the pattern of yelling at them to hurry up? Did I kiss my husband goodbye or choose to rattle off a laundry list of activities we need to get done instead? Did I put my best foot forward at work and feel like I contributed to the company’s goals or did I mentally wander off and struggle to remain focused? Did I call my parents to remind them how much I love them? Did I tell my friends how much they mean to me? Did I forget to schedule doctor appointments AGAIN?

I am willing to bet that everyone who reads this post can relate to the feeling of being pulled in many directions.

I can also guarantee I’m not the only one who feels a sense of guilt anytime I slow down and concentrate on only myself.

Yet this time of self-absorbency is so needed.

When you fail to recognize and cherish what you individually bring to the world, it is easy to be soaked up by the needs of others. It is not a purely selfish motive to concentrate on yourself; it is an essential practice to be the best you can be for those whom rely on you.

This idea to Honor Every Little Piece of yourself and recognize what it is that makes you YOU is not new, nor is it easy.

I made my list yesterday. I challenge you to start yours today. It may take minutes. It may take days. Trust me…you’ll be happy you did it.

My H.E.L.P. List (who I am)…

believer  animal lover  fitness enthusiast  caregiver  my dog’s best friend  leader  follower  role model  emotional  life of the party  someone who rarely parties  unbiased  loud  sleep lover  imperfect  yearning to learn  second-guesser  afraid  fearless  writer  challenge seeker easily annoyed  faithful  reliable  random  beautiful  plain  determined  hopeful  struggling goal setter  grateful  confident  strong  weak  predictable  devoted  fueled by others  dreamer

Created by Heidi Woodard

In Awareness, Brain dump, Inspiration, Reflection, Stress release , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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Before I was who I am now

March 19, 2012

Before I was a mom of three, I never knew what it was like to raise a little girl. I never had to guess what mood any member of my family was in because, before I was a mom of three, we all pretty much knew how to read one another. I never realized how fun it was to paint little toe nails. It’s an experience far more enjoyable than painting my own.

Before I was a mom of two, I never thought it was possible to give my love and devotion to anyone other than my precious first-born son. Before I laid eyes on my second son, I never knew what it was like to have a cuddly boy whose sole existence, it seems, is to make sure his mom is happy. I never realized my heart could swell to the point of bursting until he showed me what it means to give without expecting anything in return.

Before I was a mom of one, I didn’t know it was possible to actually be in awe of a child. I knew parents could be proud, but to feel a sense of awe is different. Before my oldest even took in his first breath, I never knew that God could intentionally give us our children in the exact order we need them. To bless us with a confident kid who helps us along the way and serves as a role model during times when we fall short.

Before having three children, I had two dogs. One passed and left me wondering why on earth we allow ourselves to own pets only to see them die before us. The other reminds me daily why we make that choice and never regret doing so.

Before I was a mom, I was a wife. I loved my husband and took the time to show him. I soaked in his strength and felt protected. I told him I would stand by him even if we led each other astray. I put my faith in him and not once has he let me down. I’ve seen him positively guide and discipline not only our own kids, but other youth as well. I know he loves me and would do anything to make me happy.

Before my husband stole my heart, I was a student and an athlete. The minute I knew what it felt like to be recognized for being good, I never felt pressured to be bad. I was complimented for being a leader and I never took that responsibility for granted. If I can leave this earth knowing I’ve impacted someone’s life for the better, I will feel fulfilled at the end of my days.

Before I was a student and an athlete, I was a girl who was loved and supported by her family. I did not need to be surrounded by material things to know my life was rich. What I didn’t recognize then was that the collective sacrifices of so many would help shape the person I am today.

Who were you before the person you are now?

In Awareness, Background, Beginning, Belonging, Family, Inspiration, Kids, Love, Memories, Pets, Support , , , , , , , , , , ,
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