Recently I was asked to talk about what it means to be a Mom in the Year 2010.
There are naturally some things about being a Mom which never change – for instance we’re still telling our kids their faces are going to stay that way if they keep doing that, muttering to ourselves that we don’t know what we did to deserve this (when really we do), and the constant comparisons we made between our equally talented/annoying children and her alternating uncoordinated/beautifully behaved ones.
But as we go into the Teen Years of this millennium, we feel increasingly time crunched. Even so, I think it is essential for Moms to take the time to be equipped with the following skills in these key areas:
Technology: BlackBerry, iPhone, Palm Pre – whatever it takes to get you connected, online, intouch, and out of the mental space of that hockey arena, karate class, swimming lesson or school council meeting. Basically a survival tool. Find the time to investigate the best option and (budget permitting), do it.
Social Media: Twitter, FaceBook, MySpace, LinkedIn – find the one that works for you and start by lurking, then by participating, and then by enjoying and benefiting both personally and professionally. You DO have time for this. MAKE the time for this.
Fitness: I know, I know, we don’t have time. But it’s so key in keeping you physically and mentally alert, awake, and confident. Put it in your schedule and don’t cancel it. Your body engages as your brain relaxes. Don’t go ‘grocery shopping’ for alone time: Hit the gym or the streets for a run. No one EVER regrets working out after it’s over.
Food: Like fitness, choosing the right food is good for more than just your waistline – its good for connecting with your family and your friends. Find the time to eat with others – don’t eat alone, in your car, or while facing forward at a sporting event. Don’t waste lunch hours either – great for networking, socializing, mentoring…which leads me to…
Mentoring: I’ve had some of my best experiences/satisfaction through women (and now a guy) I’ve mentored over the years. You have something to share with someone who is standing in the same shoes you stood in, a few years ago. It’s more for YOU, than THEM, trust me.
Okay that wasn’t a funny post at all – but I’ll take the time to do that, in the next entry.
Welcome to 2010, ladies.
