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Inspiration: Essays and Articles that Celebrate the Joys of Parenting
Having
one of those days? Bookmark this page for empowering words of wisdom and
inspiration from
Momscape magazine.
Teaching Children to Manifest a Better World
Help your children embrace the responsibility of creating a better
world. Authors Chick Moorman and Thomas Haller tell us how.
How
Satisfied Are You With Your Life?
Take this Life Satisfaction Quiz to find out how you can raise your
level of satisfaction and attract the things you truly want in your
life, from Orly Katz, author of Women, Decode the Law of Attraction.
Creating a Balanced Inner World for Our Children
Help your child to love and accept all parts of themselves, so that they
may achieve, wholeness, love and a lifelong connection to themselves and
the world.
A new article by Sally Sacks, psychotherapist and author of How to
Raise the Next President.
20 Simple Ways to Celebrate Life with Children in October
With leaves crunching underfoot and gorgeous colors overhead, October is
one of the most beautiful times of the year. Here are more than 20
simple ways you can celebrate the simple life with your children this
month.
The River
"Everything is connected. Everything changes. Pay attention." A poignant
meditation for parents, excerpted from Denise Roy's new book
Momfulness: Mothering with Mindfulness, Compassion, and Grace
"There's a Lollipop on Your Bottom" (and Other Terms of Endearment)
"In all of our efforts to prove our own Supermom skills, let's remember
that it's sometimes rather endearing when we're not..."
It DOES Get Easier: A Message to Moms with (Very) Young Children
"I suppose I feel compelled to say all of this because when we can see a
light at the end of the tunnel, it makes it easier to settle into our
days and to enjoy them, just the way they are..."
Revering the Crayon Marks
Recapturing the magic that is motherhood.
You Gotta Pick Your Battles
"Once that toddler independence sets in, we as mothers are granted
divine permission to let a few things slide..." By Kimberly
Hohman.
Cheer Yourself Up: 25 Instant Mood Lifters
The blues overtake all of us from time to time. Here are 25 quick
ways to pick up your spirits.
Simple Living
Eliza Bloom on simplifying the simple life.
Finding Your Spirit in the Kitchen Sink
A reminder that a mother's self-nurturing rarely occurs at a day spa.
Curtains, Pancakes and Broom Hockey: 12 Ways to Build Self Esteem in
Kids
Few things are as rewarding as seeing your child glow from the inside
out. And it happens when children have a high self esteem: when they
know themselves to be unconditionally accepted, when they feel both
loved and lovable, and when they feel a sense of belonging and self
worth. Here are twelve simple activities that have really made a
difference in our family. These are the rituals that I find especially
important to staying connected and to communicating my love and
appreciation for each child.
Why Do You Love Motherhood?
We asked, you answered. Read these inspirational stories from Momscape
readers, and add your own.
Ordinary is the New Extraordinary
In this time of hyper speed lives where everything is new, better,
different, and faster (at a rate that would’ve made our ancestors
faint), we have a chance to take a stand for an ordinary life. This life
can feed our soul, but in order for it to do so, we have to recognize
that everything is not equally important. We must sit with the paradox
of being an insignificant grain of sand and yet also knowing how much it
matters for us to use our gifts to make a difference, to serve. Here are
seven points to consider, from Jennifer Louden.
Drifting, Rushing, Slipping Time
An essay for parents of small children, by Susie Cortright.
Freedom Through Forgiveness
20 life-changing quotes to read, remember, and share.
The Love Focus
A remarkable meditation for those times when you can feel resentment
building. By Robert Elias Najem.
Seeing the Souls of Your Children
Margaret Paul, Ph.D., on how to be a more peaceful parent by connecting
with the essence of our children.
The Simplicity of Simplifying
Creating a simpler life can be surprisingly simple. It starts with
questioning those things we've taken as truths for so long.
Plenty of Time
Hurrying is antithetical to a pre-schooler's very nature. An essay on
revering their pace.
Filling the Empty Place
"The instant I start feeling tired and sad, it's my cue to do something
completely new. To take all that energy that I've been turning in on
myself and turn it out into the world..."
Seven Ways to Savor the Season
I've made a few promises to help us prevent a sense of entitlement while
helping us savor and instill the true spirit of the season. Perhaps it
will help you, too.
Joy in Action: How to feel better about almost anything
Discover joy in action. Embody joy in action.
Holiday Stress Management: Four Tips for Moms
Decking the halls and spreading good cheer takes a lot of energy, and no
one knows that like a mom. Here are some tips to make sure you enjoy
every last fa-la-la.
Dancing in the Aisles
"One of the greatest gifts of motherhood is the reminder not to take
life so seriously..."
The Smallest Things Mean Everything
An important reminder from WomanLink's Catie Gosselin.
Ten Simple Ways to Honor Your Uniqueness
Shine a little love and light - on yourself.
In Praise of Black Sheep
Special encouragement for parents of strong-willed kids (and aren't they
all, sometimes?)
Daddies and Slippery Socks
An essay on enthusiasm.
Messages from Everywhere
Discover the answers to your prayers...all around you.
Attention "My child calls me back to the present moment. He can be a
strict teacher who points out all my weak points and shows me the art of
being in the here and now—the most important art of all." An excerpt
from Piero Ferrucci's charming new book,
What Our Children Teach Us: Lessons in Joy, Love, and Awareness
How to Stay Calm Tips for keeping your emotions in check.
Reclaim Your Power The secret to sanity during early motherhood.
Forcing the Issue "Burning the candle at both ends seems to have
taken the place of living meaningfully..." Catie Gosselin on regaining a
sense of joy and wonder in daily life.
Getting by with a little help from our friends... "Some days, by 10
a.m., the girls and I have done two loads of clothes, seven diaper
changes, and two baths. We have fingerpainted, made playdough pizzas,
read eleven books and played six rounds of Hide and Seek. And by this
time in the middle of the morning, I'm already wondering how I'm going
to fill the remaining eight hours of my husband's workday..."
Expecting Miracles Catie Gosselin on surrendering control and
developing trust.
A Week of Surprises "My girls are my inspiration. They are the
elements of life that make me understand, once and for all, why I'm
here. They make every morning Christmas, awaiting all of the surprises
that are gift-wrapped in their little souls. Now we revel in unwrapping
them one by one..." Welcome to the world, Calliope Joy!
Transforming Shadow Comforts "The key to taking care of ourselves in
healthy ways is not willpower but the ability to listen and trust
ourselves." Jennifer Louden, author of
The
Comfort Queen's Guide to Life, tells us how to transform our shadow
comforts into healthy comforts.
Dalai Lama's Millennium Practice A simple routine to increase the
love and compassion in the world.
This March, we commemorate Women's History Month with empowering
biographies of three women who overcame extraordinary odds to realize
their dreams...
Belva A. Lockwood - famed for opening the legal profession to
women.
Louisa May Alcott - a moral guardian to young girls the world over.
Harriet Beecher Stowe - mom, social reformer, and author of Uncle
Tom's Cabin.
Heartburn and Heartache: A Tribute to Mothers Here's to all of you
who inspire yourselves each day to be the best mom you can be in spite
of your own wishes and wants and motivations...
Rethinking Romance This Valentine's Day, let your man off the
hook...
A Simple Joy Some days, a blanket and a pile of books is all I
really need. Here, Susie pays homage to the written word and introduces
Momscape's new book section.
The Inertia of Winter "Like packing away holiday trappings, getting
rid of emotional 'stuff,' unhealthy habits, etc., can bring about a
feeling of lightness; the perfect solution to winter doldrums..."
Make the Right Sacrifice "There's nothing wrong with making
sacrifices, but, if we're going to be giving up everything, we had
better be sure that we've chosen the right cause..."
All I Want for Christmas...Parents, You May Be Surprised Columnist
Linda Sharp asks kids what one thing they would like this season that
doesn't cost a dime. The result? A must-read for every mom.
Making a Difference this Holiday Season Ideas and links to help you
get involved.
Embracing the Everyday Elevate the ordinary to the extraordinary
everyday. It's up to you!
Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude Gratitude keeps us centered and
wards off jealousy and negativity. Learn about the little things we can
do each day to nourish a sense of gratitude - in ourselves and in
others.
Momscape's Guide to a Stress-Less Holiday Season Let the stress of
the season melt away. Here's how...
How Moms Can Change the World Who better to change the world than a
mother, with her instinctive capacity for compassion, empathy, and
unconditional love? Here are a few ways - large and small - that we moms
can make a difference in our world.
Tending the Fire Within T.W. Winslow on the importance of
self-care.
Postures of Motherhood "For moms, self-discipline is not just about
sticking with something until it's done. It is the ability to stick with
something, then pry yourself away. To stick again briefly, then release.
It is about knowing when to hang in there, and when to surrender..."
Just One of Those Weeks Advice on staying sane in the midst of
chaos. From
Dr. Dorree Lynn.
A Sacred Stillness There's nothing better than - once in a while -
reflecting on the wonder of it all...
Information Overload Is there such a thing as knowing too much?
All at Once "These are the moments in which you understand, all at
once, that nothing - not a single thing - is more important than your
job as a mother to your children, born or unborn..."
One Very Special Project A magical moment in the everyday.
Cherish the Wood Chips
"I glanced at my watch, if we hurried we could be back in
thirty-minutes, enough time to satiate your needs for the outside world
without interfering with my needs on the inside world." An
essay by Brook Noel.
Back to You Sit still for a moment and let your body (and soul)
talk.
Time is Flying By Jenny Wanderscheid from Childfun.com shares her
secret for making every minute count.
Cereal Mom One WAHM comes to terms with her priorities...while
trying to keep those soggy Cheerios off of her business projects.
Mommy Always Comes Last, Until Pain is Involved, That is...
"What is it about parents, especially mothers? We always place our needs
and wants at the bottom of the totem pole. Heck, I think mine are
actually under the dirt in which the totem pole is buried..." The latest
from humor columnist Linda Sharp.
The Road Not Taken "She is the me I would have been had I not had
kids. She is OtherMe... For the rest of the day I wonder about her. As I
am drinking my Folgers and reading Dear Abby I imagine OtherMe sipping a
cappuccino and consulting her day planner. She prepares a budget report,
I clip coupons..." One mom comes to terms with the choices she has made.
By Traci Vujicich.
Where the Wild Things Are "I thought many women were more-or-less
united on the idea that giant animals are scary. Not true. Y’all are
brave..."
In Praise of Daddy "You may not have the physical stretchmarks of
childbearing, but you have the emotional stretchmarks of childrearing.
And as you continue to give and receive the incredible gift of the
Father/Child bond each day, know that you are every bit as important and
vital and acknowledged in your children's lives, as are the ladies who
gave them that life to begin with..." A heartwarming tribute, by Linda
Sharp.
Celebrating Fathers "This Father’s Day, let us remember the father’s
role. Let us actively engage him in this day-to-day process of
parenting. Let us stand back so he can take charge and do things his way
once in a while. Let us see his parenting style as a complement - and
not an opposition - to our own..."
Wishing You a Peach of a Summer "Whether it’s your backpack or your
to-do list that needs paring down, let us savor this season, presented
to us now like a summer peach to a child. Enjoy its fullness and its
flavor, for it will be out of season in no time..."
A Delicate Balance It’s interesting to see what happens when we fail
to fill even one of our roles in a day.
Moon Over Miami...ZZZzzzz "This was Miami, home of Latin rhythms,
spicy food, Ricky Martin. We lay back on our bed to discuss nightlife
and woke up two hours later. We needed to get moving. We moved several
feet towards the pillows and promptly fell back asleep again..." Humor
columnist Linda M. Sharp tells us about her week-long getaway.
Just for Today Some of the most enchanting days in a child's life
are created through conscious effort. A tribute to mothers everywhere.
Body Talk When we move our health and happiness to the forefront of
our focus, our spirits soar, and we create footsteps we want our
children to follow.
It's in the Details... Tips and inspiration for creating quality
family photos.
Overcoming Our Feline Instincts "As women, we are bound by so many
common experiences that it would seem logical to draw support and
encouragement from each other. Unfortunately, we live in a society
that fosters divisiveness and contention among gender equals..."
An article on celebrating our spiritual sisterhood. By Kimberly Hohman.
Silence is Golden We all need a few quiet moments to reflect, think,
contemplate, pray, or just stare into space.
A Balanced Diet I remember fondly the days when lifestyle changes
were simple. You decided to change and that was that. Now that we have
families, there are conscientious objectors.
Enjoy Your Time Trade your frenzied pace for one of serenity, peace,
and pure productivity.
Inspiration for Organization "'Tis the season for spring cleaning,
which I suppose is the reason I keep hearing this quote: 'The
organization of your home reflects the organization of your mind.' Hmm.
Not sure I buy that. If it is true, I’m kind of a mess--inside and
out..."
A Mother's Epiphany "I would like us all to remind one another how
much our babies need us—no matter how tall they have grown. So during
those inevitable days they spend attached to your left leg, or drawing
on the wallpaper, or spending time in the principal’s office, we will
reflect on the day of their birth, when two new spirits entered the
world: a child and a mother."
Wash and Wear Let us remember what the wash and wear wardrobe stands
for. Let us embrace it as a symbol of a mother who would readily
surrender those white wool trousers for more time and memories with her
kids.
12 Simple Pleasures You Can Enjoy in April
The simplest pleasures are sometimes the sweetest. Here are a series of
affordable pleasures to help you slow down and taste the sweetness of
the simple life.
A Zone of Your Own "Present moment awareness--the bliss of finding
joy in work and play--is something I experience occasionally, perhaps
when I’m on a roll with a project or on the last few pages of a juicy
paperback. Even sometimes when I have my hands in sudsy dishwater. It
can come anytime, under one condition: Everyone else has to be
asleep..."
Serenity Now! When I think about the energy I waste acting all
frantic and panicky, it makes me...well, frantic and panicky. Here are
six tips to keep us all from pushing the panic button.
Falling BACK in Love with Your Spouse Internationally published
humorist Linda Sharp shows us there is a light at the end of the
tunnel.
Déjà vu Lately, I have been experiencing a lot of that--the icy
feeling that I have done this all before. That's when I realized it's
because I have done this all before. Yesterday. And the day before...
Choose Wisely The company we keep both reflects--and helps
determine--the kind of people we become.
Whack Back Do you ever feel like a Whack-a-Mole? Sometimes it feels
like I just get my head out of the ground from one crisis when I get
popped with another one...
The Hub of the Wheel
Keep your family rolling...
Full Circle: The Evolution of Mother-Child Relationships How
have your relationships changed since you had children? Here, we examine
these relationships...and applaud the mothers who taught us how to do
the most important job in the world.
The Importance of Mothers: Affirming a Mother's Role The media have
been ripe with studies recently that undermine moms, particularly those
who stay- or work-at-home. Some days, we need reassurance that we
moms--and the sacrifices we make--matter.
Applause for Stay-at-Home Moms We have seen a lot of articles
applauding mothers who go to work each day. Rarely do we see an article
that celebrates those who stay-at-home. Here are just a few of the
reminders of the fact that your selflessness and sacrifices make a
difference.
Journaling: A Tool for the Spirit The fountain of personal wisdom
may be as close as your nearest pen. That’s because the single most
essential instrument for nurturing your spirit is a personal journal.
Learn how to make your spirit soar...through words.
"Thank You": Grace and Gratitude in the Everyday The
extraordinary power of two simple words.
Towards Compassion: Understanding the Pressures on your husband We
hear a lot about Supermom. Now let's hear it for Superdad.
Summertime Soul Snacks Nurture your spirit and savor the summertime
with these warm weather pampering tips.
Holiday Soul Snacks Soul Snacks are spontaneous time-outs: creative
ways you can nurture your spirit in 15 minutes or less. Here's a week's
worth, specially designed
to help you balance the busy-ness this holiday season.
Thanksgiving Traditions: Nine Ideas for Families
Ideas for starting new family traditions – and for revering the old
ones.
Simple Indulgences for Autumn
During this hectic time of year, it’s vital to take some time each day
to simply enjoy your life and your family. Here are a week’s worth of
ideas, especially for autumn.
The Art of Rest
Why is genuine rest so elusive? Bestselling author Jennifer Louden
sheds some light in a beautiful new article.
Celebrating Life with Children in September
Ten simple pleasures you can enjoy with your children this month.
Simple Indulgences for September
As the kids go back to school, you can go back to you...your schedule,
your friends, your goals. Here are ten simple indulgences to celebrate
this season.
Delight the Senses Author Sue Augustine helps us to slow down and
celebrate life with the help of our five senses.
The Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Children In her last 25 years of
working with people in her therapy practice and as a parent educator,
Stephanie Marston has discovered one single most important fact that
determines whether children grow up to be happy and successful...
Seven Soul-Nurturing Suggestions for Busy Women
Important ideas from Cheryl Lynn Simpson.
I Am Well If You Are Well
Author Denise Roy on staying connected, open, receptive, and rooted.
Excerpted from her wonderful book,
My
Monastery is a Minivan.
Simple Living in a Materialistic World
Mark Brandenburg on what really matters in a family.
Consulting Your Soul Simple practices for receiving guidance and
making your life work at a higher level. By Dr. Wayne Dyer.
Ten Reasons to Tell Your Kids Stories Inspiration for using this
magical tool to share your values with your kids.
Supporting Your Child's Personality "Giving your child room to
become the flower that was intended," by Jackie Woods.
My Kids Are Driving Me Crazy! Mark Brandenburg shares advice on
three universal problems of parenthood.
How to Do Hard Things A wonderfully helpful article that can
motivate you to do just about anything. By Suzanne Falter-Barns.
Top Ten Ways to Raise Emotionally Intelligent Kids A high IQ is
nice, but a high "EQ" is better. Make these ten ideas daily habits and
give your kids the best chance to be happy, productive, and responsible
adults.
Top 50 Mom
Quotations
50 inspiring and truthful quotations about your mother and about being a
mom yourself. Perfect for scrapbooking, cardmaking - or simple
reflection.
Family
Traditions for Easter
Celebrate this season of renewal, abundance and love with some new
family traditions. Here are seven ideas.
11 Fun Easter Activities for Kids
Easy, fun, and affordable family activities for Eastertime.
Christmas Traditions: 25 Meaningful Ideas for Families
The holidays are a time to revel in the gratitude and love we feel for
one another. Here are 25 meaningful ways to celebrate your togetherness
this season.
Christmas Traditions: 25 Meaningful Ideas for Families
The holidays are a time to revel in the gratitude and love we feel for
one another. Here are 25 meaningful ways to celebrate your togetherness
this season.
Holiday Stress Management
Decking the halls and spreading good cheer takes a lot of energy. Here
are some tips to make sure you enjoy every last fa-la-la.
Holiday Shopping Tips
I confess that holiday shopping once felt like an enormous,
energy-draining chore, and it was one that I dreaded all year long. Now
I have found a way to really enjoy it. Here are some tips to help you
take pleasure in it, too.
Christmas Gifts for Neighbors
The more holiday cheer we can spread, the better, especially in our own
neighborhoods. Here are some ideas for simple, sweet, inexpensive gifts
that are just right.
The Short List: Some Thoughts on Time
Is there a subject more charged than that of time, especially among
parents? It's the source of many of our conversations ("How are you?"
"Busy!") and much of our guilt. Here are some thoughts on taming our own
perception of time.
Shelby Murphy's columns:
Silence is Golden, and So is a Child's Chatter "It's ironic how much we adults crave silence, until
we get it and realize the cost..."
Creative Rainbow Mother
Shelby Murphy on Earth Mothers...and those of us from other planets. A
must read!
Life is Practice
"La vida verdadera es la practica -- life is practice. Common knowledge
to the average four-year-old. It's too bad we adults speak a different
language."
Read this and get in the game...
Zen and
the Art of Folding Laundry
"Somewhere in the years of Cold Wash with Like Colors Only and Tumble
Dry Low I changed. My monkey mind calmed to meet the slower pace of my
life with small children. I stopped behaving like a hyperactive
adolescent, always trying to numb the pain of self-induced boredom with
stimulation, and started finding joy in the ordinary."
Reclaiming
the Shelter of Each Other
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