There is something about plunging into the ocean for the first time since giving birth. Having the waves wash over and cover your body, a kind of cleansing, and yet also, an attachment to our planet.
This week, I had the chance to dive into the Atlantic ocean. It was a 5 minute escape from my cute, sand covered 4-year old and baby. Just a quick dip, while dad was in charge.
I floated while the waves took me along. A moment to myself. It’s amazing how involved we mothers can become with our children that we get to a point that we feel selfish about taking a moment for ourselves. I know it’s not just me — I’ve heard it from other mothers, too. Do you feel the same?
(Just for the record, clasps on nursing bathing suits don’t necessarily hold up when getting up from the crashing waves. Just my luck!)
Whether it’s just sitting down to eat your lunch (how many of us are so busy that we eat standing?) or booking yourself in for that massage, don’t just wait for Mother’s Day to come along before you do something nice for yourself. Motherhood is hard work, and perhaps, you deserve to give yourself permission to find a way to do something special for yourself. Give it a try. 😉
On that note, let’s look at the World Moms Blog week in review…
On Monday, we started out in India, where the Alchemist told us that her first article on World Moms Blog helped her gain her first paid writing job. We are thrilled for her!! There are 20+ comments on this article!
Tuesday, was our first day of double posting!! Since you’re reading, we’re delivering more! We are giving our writers the opportunity to tell us more about themselves in our writer interviews. On Tuesday and Thursday we are posting two additional interview posts at 5:00 pm US Eastern Standard Time.
This week we posted interviews from Karyn Van Der Zwet of New Zealand, who grew up on a sheep farm, and Margie Bryant of Arkansas, USA, who says she speaks in Southern English. Both so different, but equally awesome mothers!
Ever moved with kids? Our normal post on Tuesday was from Maggie Ellison, who is gearing up for yet another move with her children. Our writers and readers chimed in to give her some advice with over 20 comments!
There is a line in a rap song that says, “Ain’t no party like a west coast party.” Well, we beg to differ. Did you get a chance to read about Courtney Cappallo’s art-influenced birthday party for her daughter on the EAST coast of the USA? If you’re looking to tap your inner creativity, Courtney is your gal! Check out her post from Wednesday.
Thursday, we went to Toronto, Canada, where our writer and Scheduling Editor, Kirsten Doyle, told us about her struggle with her weight, ability to quit smoking, decision to run and motivation to raise funds for autism. If you’re looking for an inspirational read from an inspirational mom, choose this one!
Our Friday Question was a tough one, about whether or not you would interfere if a friend’s child was acting up. What would you do? Jill’s response made me laugh!
And, we have had many great ideas come in for the naming of this column! We are in the process of narrowing them down and then having our writers vote! Stay tuned…
So, I’m two weeks running now on this Saturday column. Before we know it, I might be delivering it EVERY Saturday AND even have a name for it. Progress!
Enjoy your weekend, World Moms! And, tune in tomorrow to hear what’s in store this coming week on the blog, when Kirsten posts our Travel Itinerary!
Jennifer Burden
Founder/Editor
World Moms Blog
Photo credit to Jennifer Burden.
Jennifer Burden
Jennifer Burden is the Founder and CEO of World Moms Network, an award winning website on global motherhood, culture, human rights and social good. World Moms Network writes from over 30 countries, has over 70 contributors and was listed by Forbes as one of the “Best 100 Websites for Women”, named a “must read” by The New York Times, and was recommended by The Times of India. She was also invited to Uganda to view UNICEF’s family health programs with Shot@Life and was previously named a “Global Influencer Fellow” and “Social Media Fellow” by the UN Foundation. Jennifer was invited to the White House twice, including as a nominated "Changemaker" for the State of the World Women Summit. She also participated in the One Campaign’s first AYA Summit on the topic of women and girl empowerment and organized and spoke on an international panel at the World Bank in Washington, DC on the importance of a universal education for all girls. Her writing has been featured by Baby Center, Huffington Post, ONE.org, the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life, and The Gates Foundation’s “Impatient Optimists.” She is currently a candidate in Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in the Executive Masters of Public Affairs program, where she hopes to further her study of global policies affecting women and girls. Jennifer can be found on Twitter @JenniferBurden.
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Great recap, Jen! A moment alone in the ocean? Sounds perfect.
Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Alison! Enjoy your weekend, too, there, in Malaysia! 🙂
Jen
You got it written! Excellent. Looking forward to the vote, too.
I can just imagine what that moment in the ocean felt like. My son is 3 but next time around I’m going to take more of those moments for myself. After he was born I felt like I shouldn’t take them – why is that?! Now that I’ve learned the hard way I know how important it is.
Thanks, Robin! I wonder if it’s some kind of human instinct that takes over that makes us less inclined to think of ourselves in the early years as a mom. Whatever it is, I usually only realize how much I need these little moments AFTER I have them because they are rejuvenating. So, I need to make more time for them because with more energy and clarity of mind, I feel like I am better at being a mom. (I hope, at least!)
Enjoy your weekend in Canada!
Jen
There is something so soothing about being in the waves (even if they’re just ripples) ahhhh soul-time….good for you. (And GREAT that you got this written again – impressive. :))
Hi Karyn,
Yes!!!! Soul-time. I love that term.
I must admit that at 11pm my time last night, I realized that I hadn’t tested the links. I tested them, and they all didn’t work! So, I was extra thrilled to have completed it!!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend in New Zealand!
Jen 🙂
Love that – ‘soul time’ – name for this column maybe, or something along those lines??? After reading this post I realised this column is yours, it’s not just a recap of the week, it’s you and you are WMB. I’m thinking it should be something meaningful to you
Waves and moments to yourself, how wonderful. I don’t kow how you find time to write and do everything you do here as well as cope with a newborn plus one. You are what WMB is all about
Have a great week Jen!
Hi Fiona!
I’m getting by! Thanks for your kind words. Good point, but I have to admit, our writers and readers have come up with better title ideas than I have!
Enjoy your weekend in Australia! It sounds like the new addition to your family is on it’s way!!!
Jen 🙂
I haven’t been in an ocean in over ten years so I am VERY jealous! ALso, I love your new recaps!
Margie,
You have to get in the sea! 🙂 Thanks about the recaps! 🙂
Jen 🙂
Jen, now you are making me look forward to my east coast trip even more – how I miss the Jersey Shore!! Good for you taking that moment for yourself – and you’re absolutely right, we as mothers need to do it more often!! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Yay! Have a blast, Eva! 🙂
Jen 🙂
OH I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Jenny! 🙂