What is Mother’s Day? For many it is a time of reflection on being a mom. We sit back and look at our kids with joy and disbelief that we get to be the mother to such great people, or look and remember how small … Continue reading Mother’s Day to Other’s Day
NO seriously! I was sick and physically tired. Don’t worry it wasn’t COVID. (You know this is the new thing now, you will for the next year or two have to give this disclaimer when you tell people you were sick or that you are not feeling well.)
We’ll all be like, “Man, I don’t feel good, not COVID sick though.
OR
“I feel out of sorts, not in a COVID way though”
I guess that comes with this “new normal” life we are now living, but Thank whoever you may that you are alive to live it.
I was out of commission for my last two postings (well really one, and the other I just forgot about 😏 I’m human). I had a terrible sinus headache, for 3 days. 3 DAYS! I could barely look at the tv let alone write an entire blog post. Thankfully it rained on the 3rd night and lifted all of my pressure so I was back to normal.
Being back to normal means all the stuff that fell apart or the stuff I do on a regular basis was backlogged. I was playing catch up which is why when my alarm went off to post the new blog I was in total shock 😂. I thought BLOG, what Blog? So here I am still trying to catch up.
Yesterday was April 1st (April Fool’s Day) and Mother Nature played a joke on us here in Ohio. It snowed, and snowed and snowed some more. It left a little accumulation compared to what we could have received, at least it was pretty to look at.
You might have guessed but I am also sick and tired of the cold. It is Springtime after all, I am ready for the flowers to bloom, the trees to be full again, and for warm nights. I hope to get a fire pit this year or maybe make one (I’m sure my husband will be so excited to read this 😜)
What are you looking forward to this Spring or Summer?
I would ask what you are SICK and TIRED of, but I am sure I have a few guesses and they all lead back to COVID. However, if you have other things you are sick and tired of feel free to leave them in the comments as well. We are in this together.
Do you follow a routine?
Having a business mindset, what does that mean? According to an article by Businessknowhow.com there are seven things one needs to have a business mindset. Let’s go over them, with my two cents.
For me this is important, oftentimes people get caught up in the name or colors or other not so important details (BTW I am people😂). Knowing why your business exists is vital. As for MOT Marketing, I am here to help people Brand themselves, from logos, copywriting, social media presence, and more. In the age of COVID, it is vital that you are online.
Honestly, how can you have a business if you allow others to do all of the thinking for you? Yes, it is alright to be inspired by others, but at the end of the day, you have to know what you want and how to accomplish it.
Don’t go to every business event if it isn’t on-brand with your business.
I agree with this completely, people will join every group or conference just to network. All business isn’t good business and be sure to know your worth.
The bottom line is money, no matter how you try to sugar coat it, all businesses want money. From your Big Box Stores to the Mom and Pop Shops in town, money is the end goal. So how do you get it, each business has its own style, some use scare tactics for example only a few remain buy now! While others use FOMO(fear of missing out),for example: don’t you want to be happy too, well join millions of people who love what “xyz” has done for them.
This is basically being able to look at the long-term vision and the steps needed to get there. Typically people can only view the day-to-day task, but the goal is to broaden the scope of things to get where you want to go.
Meaning you don’t have to put all of your eggs in one basket. Do what works for you and your audience, if you can find two paths to the same goal then use all paths. I agree 100%.
Look it is easy to say don’t take it personally, but the reality is that your business feels like an extension of you. The key is to not let these emotions jade your view. Keep a clear mind when making decisions. Now, one thing I will say for MOT Marketing is that I try to embrace my emotions. Meaning, when I take on a new client I treat their business like my own. I am invested! Of course, I know every decision will not be great, every client will not ideal, but the goal is to bring my most genuine self to the table every time. The client can take it or leave it!
My goals for MOT Marketing are to continue to be myself, see the bigger vision, be selective in who I network with and who I sign on as a client. These may not work for all brands, but they have been working for mine and I plan to stick with that for now. One thing I would add to the list above is to Be Flexible, know your goals and worth but be open-minded to change.
If you made it this far, THANK YOU! Reading about business isn’t as fun as my other blogs, yet it still apart of my everyday life.
What mindset are you in, business, art, parenting, crafting, fashion. I think that each person’s interest and goals have their own mindset, even if there aren’t a set of guidelines out there. Share yours with me in the comments, or if you could make some up, what would the be? Let me know!
Look, I can’t speak for all families, just my own two children.
My youngest child truly tests my patience to the limit, Every. Single. Day. EVERYDAY! I know you’re probably thinking most kids do this, but no, she is on another level of drive mom crazy.
She is so different from her older sister who is well mannered, listens at least the first 3 times I say something, and hardly ever told me “NO”.
My youngest though well-mannered tests the limits of my patience on a regular basis. She is quick to ignore my rules. WHY? Is it something in her chemical makeup that will not let her just follow the directions given to her? If you know of any articles on this, send them my way! 😆
Need an example, great because I have one for you! Ok, here is a typical day for us.
Me: Good morning, did you sleep well?
Youngest: Yes, but I don’t want to get dressed.
Me: Well we get dressed every day, and today is no different. Put your clothes on.
Youngest: I don’t waaannnnntttt to. (this is her whining)
Me: (once she is finally dressed) Great, now go brush your teeth.
Youngest: mhhmmtt ( what is this noise? Whoever invented it, know that you are officially on MY LIST!)
Me: Just go brush your teeth and be done with it. (walks away)
*goes back into the bathroom later that afternoon, sees an unused toothbrush. 😡
*forces the child to FINALLY brush her teeth.
I really hope this is just a phase she will grow out of!
There was one point when I was so tired of hearing her tell everyone “NO“, that I made her spell it (yes, I challenged my 3-year-old to a spell off thinking that I would win, but I forget dealing with her is like Fight Club, except in this case the only rule is: She always wins!)
After feeling my patience boil over from her consistent use of the word “NO”. I challenged her to spell it. She proceeded to turn around toward me, and said with full confidence two letters…H.P.!
HP! 😂
I have to admit this girl has some guts! (Almost said balls, then I thought to myself, why do “we” always compare being tough to being male? ENOUGH! Plus balls don’t seem that tough if you ask me.) * Just a quick sidenote: I read this line to my husband and he totally agreed, balls are probably the weakest part on the body 😂😜
Back to the spelling challenge, here are two things that impressed me most: She knew to stop at two letters and that she even tried! I cracked up because she was willing to win even though she had no idea what to do.
I hope that gave you a laugh today, if it did let me know in the comments. If you have a story to share I’d love to hear it. Also, can we all agree that she is truly testing my gangster?
She has GUTS! I love that about her! I hope that this cruel world doesn’t take that from her. Though I know deep down some of this will fade. Something that sadly happens to us girls/women as maneuver through this world, and add social media to the mix and it has to be tough.
From Kameka,
(Also the youngest child of two, the irony is not lost on me😏)
Am I the only one that has a ton of free gift items lying around (you know the sample size eye cream or perfume that you received as a free gift with purchase or maybe the free sample that came in the mail?)
I legit have a container of these items in my bathroom. Why? I don’t know! Why do any of us do the crazy things that we do? Instead of giving them away, or throwing them out, or dare I say use them we choose to throw them in a basket in the bathroom which happens to be on the top shelf so others can’t see our obsession (or maybe that’s just me.) 😏 Perfect example of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) 😱
Well recently, I have begun going through this “basket of goodies”. While trying to decide what to do with this stuff I have decided to actually use whatever has not expired (well let’s be honest, we’ve all used an expired mascara or blush or moisturizer), so why not add expired freebie to the list, am I right!? 😂
Also, If you were unaware that items like these expire, sorry to be the bearer of bad news?!
Anyway, midway through the pandemic something came over me to get organized and downsize (like the rest of the world I’m sure.) Finally I was sitting here for months looking around my house without “my rose colored glasses” on.
Looking at this mess (there are no other words for it), with my blinders off was a whole new realization that I have too much crap! Seriously who needs all of this Bath & Body Works?
This is in NO WAY a brag, but why do we as people, as American’s do this? (Please, tell me in the comments that it isn’t just Americans.) Why do we feel the need to collect items we “plan on using” , “will never use”, or “don’t use anymore?” Is there some prize for the biggest unused collection of stuff in one home? (OH MY GOSH! It just hit me, this is why t.v. shows like Hoarder’s is so popular….. YES, I watch this too! I can’t get enough of it, no I know why!)
Seriously, is there some crazy rule-book that says every container in your home must be filled with stuff? I bet some of you have totes, baskets , or some other container full of stuff you don’t use, or full of stuff you “will find a use for one day”. Let’s be honest you will never use that stuff, let it go!
As for me, NO MORE! I have made it a mission to seriously declutter my home. I can’t take it anymore. Now, this could be a direct result of watching Marie Kondo or the Home Edit on Netflix. It could also be just being stuck a home for months (I know this sounds strange coming from a Stay At Home Mom/Online business owner, I’m literally home all the time), but there was something different about being forced to stay home, even when some of the guidelines were lifted we still stayed in our bubble for various reasons.
Being stuck at home made me and I am sure others look at their home differently. It was less about your day to day life, using things as you need them and the daily tidying up. It was more about the day to day, why in the hell am I not using this stuff. Which made me think of others who could use certain items in a better way than I could ever dream of or someone who would actually need these items (I know I know, NO ONE needs makeup or perfume I no longer like), but someone might want it!
I am all for thrift shopping and finding a good deal or sale. I rarely pay full price for anything, so to think that others might want or need something to make them feel good about themselves isn’t so far fetched for me. I mean who doesn’t want to feel good about themselves, right?
So my goal has been to declutter without adding to the clutter or stress of someone else (mainly my sister because she is always the first person I give these “goodies” to and vice versa for her. Now, the goal is to use the stuff before I lose it (well the certain items that I can’t give away).
Do you have a basket like mine? What’s in yours? How do you plan on decluttering (assuming you want to).
BTW…. I did get rid of old coats (adults and kids sizes), shoes, clothing and more things that people could actually use)
P.S. I just can’t help myself when it comes to a free sample…. Somebody send help! 😂😏
Affirmations (def.)
1.the action or process of affirming something or being affirmed
2. Emotional support or encouragement
In January, I kept hearing about affirmations. I did some research and decided I would begin writing my own affirmations. I wanted to manifest greatness and goodness into my life and the lives of those I love. Now, I am not one for making New Year’s resolutions, but this felt different, it felt bigger than a resolution, and it felt right.
I took about an hour (I shocked myself at the length of time I committed to this), anyway I took an hour of my time and manifested these affirmations for the people in my life. It was a magical and spiritual experience for me. I shed tears, I felt joy, and most importantly the anxiety I felt about some of the things I was affirming seemed to melt away.
It was honestly, just what I needed!
So fast forward to the other night when I was reading to my girls. We are now at the stage where they are asking questions about the story and I find myself making up questions for them to answer as well. These nightly reading sessions have turned into nightly lessons in a way. As a former instructor I am happy to engage.
Side story: (I promise it will be quick): I love to see that lightbulb moment happen. (You know the moment when someone learns something new, or realizes something for the first time. There is always this sense of pride and joy on people’s faces when this happens. Probably why I taught for as long as I did. Now I get to see these moments in my own children!)
O.K. back to the story, so we recently read this book titled, The Magic of Me: My Magical Words Written by Becky Cummings Illustrated by Zuzana Svobodová.
“I am strong”
~The Magic of Me: My Magical Words
It was such a great read, it offered affirmations for kids like; I am peaceful, I am giving, I am strong. What parent doesn’t want their kids to feel/live like this! Seeing these affirmations for such young readers really sparked joy in me. I could have talked about this book with my kids for another 30 mins or more, but kids will be kids and they were starting to check out (it was bedtime time after all 😉)
I totally recommend this book for your family. It fosters good discussion kids just beginning to read, and great visuals for the younger kids too. PLUS there are benefits to reading to your kids each night. Read about those benefits here.
Buy the book here. OR Listen for free here. (FYI, I don’t know anyone associated with this book, I just love it that much!)
P.S. I just discovered that this book is in a series, I can’t wait to read more!
P.S.S. If you saw my last post and wondered how the Valentine’s Day heart activity went here is a pic! My kids loved it
Valentine’s Day! A day that seems to have people feeling lovesick, loveless, or just plain sick of love depending on where you fall on the love spectrum. Personally, I can count on one hand how many times I have actually celebrated this day with an … Continue reading Will You Be My Valentine?
When was the last time you took a chance on yourself? Seriously? I know for me it was as recent as the end of last week. I have been debating about going live on social media for my business. I set a deadline for myself and everything (the deadline was to go live before February 1st, I know, I know talk about cutting it close!)
I mean, I see so many other people doing it, they make it look easy. How bad could it be? Well, My unconscious must have thought “This isn’t going to end well”. Because as you now know, I waited until the last minute to actually go through with it.
I thought to myself that people who go live, like the attention (which there is absolutely nothing wrong with that), or that they were flashy people (again to each their own). None of this described me, so I began to wonder if going live was the best option. I thought about this for a few days. It made me anxious! This coming from a former college instructor, I would speak in front of 100’s of college students a year, but the thought of going live freaked me out just a little, even though I would be the only one in the room, it still was unsettling.
Even on my wedding day, I didn’t like all of the attention. Funny since the whole time leading up to the day was full of excitement, until I was standing there in my ivory dress with my dad. I realized that every person there would turn and stare at me any minute now. “What if I tripped?” or worse “What if I fell?” 😯😫. Well, needless to say almost 8 years later that went through with it, but going live gave me this exact feeling again, this same fear. NOOOO! I didn’t want to do it but I knew I had to for my business, to prove to my girls that I was brave, hell to prove it to myself too.
Well, I did it! I (freaking) did it! It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Once I got out of my own way and took a chance on myself it all fell into place. I even went live the very next day on a different platform. Now the questions I ponder are, “Why in the hell did you say “ummm” that many times 😂 “What should my next live be about?” and “How often should I go live?”
I guess I am now a part of the flashy, all eyes on me crowd! What can I say I get it now! I see the appeal of going live, not to mention it really helped to grow my social media accounts. So if you are a business owner (new or already established) know that we are in the same boat.
Now, MOT Marketing (this is my business) has more exposure and a potential new client!
So, When was the last time you took a chance on yourself or your business?
Ok! Granted I only have a Kindergartner in remote learning right now and I just started working from home in Oct, and YES have a moment of truth to share. Just come along for the ride (MY ride)!
My moment of truth is …..yes it has difficult moments for all of us during the day (Kids, parents, and all those in between are dealing with this new issue of remote leaning) Really what day doesn’t have its ups and downs?
BUT…. I don’t find it as hard or as annoying as others may. I head all of the horror stories of why parents absolutely hate it. It wouldn’t be our first option in terms of schooling but in the age of COVID, it definitely is the best option in my opinion.
Though my daughter has taken very well to remote learning, I don’t have to sit there all day (like I did in week 1 plus the teacher is AWESOME!)
Realistically I wouldn’t be there if they had in-person school and I want my child to feel like they have some independence and control over their learning. Some weeks are easier than others, I am sure you feel my pain, and trust me I feel yours too.
There really is no one RIGHT answer these days, just do the best you can as a parent and keep your little ones (or not so little ones) safe and have their best interest at heart. Let’s be honest we are all winging it at this point anyway! It is a good day if you roll out of bed and manage to make it online, or to work, or to an appointment on time.
We are all going through some cabin fever type of funk (at least in my house). Yeah, we leave the house, but not nearly as often as we used to. When we do leave everyone is covered by a mask or facial shield and Damnit I miss seeing facial expressions. Don’t you?
Any Moments of Truth during remote learning from your family? Also, Shout out your favorite teacher past or present.
SHOUT OUT: Let me take this time to give a shout out to all teachers! You are freaking amazing and we, the parents thank you for your commitment to teaching our children, it doesn’t go unnoticed. *Check out some funny and graphic teacher tik toks. It’s ok to laugh:)
The MOT Group 