May

Reflections of a Mompreneur

On May 5th, 2010, by Shannon

With Mother’s Day approaching this Sunday, I’ve been contemplating what it means to be a mom and how this is so deeply connected to my role as a Mompreneur. In fact, I encouraged our newsletter community to make a list of all of the “mother” role models that have favorably influenced their lives which had me reflecting on my own personal list of “mom’s”.

Years ago when my daughter was diagnosed with a difficult case of acid reflux, I remember her pediatrician telling me “it takes a tribe to raise these kids.” The statement was so true! Even though she’s beyond reflux, I assert that it really takes a “tribe” to raise a woman, myself included! The truth is we are created to be “interdependent” upon one another, so the idea of growing up and doing it alone is really contrary to the way we as women are designed. (By the way, it’s also boring!)

It’s this reason that I have surrounded myself personally and professionally with what I like to call my “circle of wise women”. These are the women, who have invested in me by giving their time and sharing their heart. Each has used their respective gifts in so many authentic ways including prayer, friendship, professional coaching, collaboration, training, and more depending on who they are and how our paths connect.

They know the role they have played in my life because I regularly let them know how much I appreciate them. So today, I want to acknowledge them publicly as a way of saying thank you for being a “mom” to me and I love you for who you are and who you have called me forth to be:

The BFF’s: Heather, Jennifer A., Barb, Candee, Amy
The WayPoint Community: Kristina, Wendy, Jennifer P., Lisa
Circle of Wise Women: Dawnita, Rhonda, Pam, Michelle T., Marlee, Doris F., Cheryl
Dear Friends, Masterful Coaches and Brilliant Mentors: Teresia, Cynthia
My newlife.kitsap Sisters: Beth, Darlene, Denise, Erina, Kathy, Crystal

I also want to thank my own Mom who has been a steady and constant source of love, guidance, peace and support. This woman is the epitome of what it means to be a sacrificial Mom giving her all to nurturing a solid foundation of authenticity and truth for our family. Mom, I love you and thank you.

My daughter Taylor wonders why “Mom’s” have a special day and kids don’t. I laugh with her by telling her that Mom’s get “one” day when every day is kids day. Even though I tell her that Mother’s Day is my special day, it really is about her because I am eternally grateful for the gift of this precious child in my life.

As I’ve shared on my website, she is my “awakening” that has called me forth to my extraordinary life, and it’s because of her role in my life that I have found my true self. She has been a catalyst inspiring me to become a coach and now, I have the honor of living my passion and purpose as I call women forth to their inspired lives. I am honored and humbled to be her Mom and cherish the joy of our ever-growing relationship. So Taylor, I love you and thank you for the gift of living authentically.

So what about you? Who are the motherly role models in your life? What impact have they had on you? Share your comments and let’s spread the joy of motherly influence!

By the way, if you’d like to sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn more about how to communicate more effectively in your many roles you play, especially the one as a Mompreneur, please visit www.yourgreaterpurpose.com.