Morning Routine

Definitely an early riser to catch the sunset.This started at a very young age.I keep things simple.

Some kind of movement, whether its walking my dog, Callie, or 20 minute yoga session.

Music or a podcast while having my morning greens or in the shower.

Best Productivity Hack

 Prepare your morning the night before. You have no clue what the morning brings, so having everything set out, lunches done, breakfast set up, clothes picked and tasks all caught up. When morning comes its not a whirlwind of chaos and God knows that can happen fast.

What’s Something You Want for Your Kids (That You Didn’t Always Experience)?

I wanted my kids to know that I always had their back. At the end of the day, they knew they could count on me for ride to their sports, listen to their heartbreak or  I was also firm when they were being too self absorbed. 

My parents were tremendously hard working entrepreneurs but their career was first, children after everything was completed. I love them both dearly but I felt alone I didn’t want that for my kids. 

What Has Been Your Biggest Failure (Turned Lesson)?

I did not realize or was I taught how important self care was. Seriously. No one spoke about this growing up or as a young mom. 

Somewhere I thought I was to wear the cape, have a tiara on, build my business, love hard on my kids, be a perfect wife at the time and do ALL this in heels. It wasn’t until burnout happened in my mid 40’s as I was caring for a my daughter with multiple medical appointments, my son in high level sports and me trying to hold together everything else. 

Self care is NOT bubble baths or days at the spa. It’s talking about what is going on, having a mentor in your life, taking a break away from the normal day, doing things you are passionate about, loving on you and remembering who you were before kids.

What is Something about you that other people might find weird?

I absolutely love what I do. When my son was asked one day…What does your mom do? He promptly replied “She works with the dead!” Let me tell you- that was brilliant- and yet caused so many heads to spin too. But he knew I loved my profession, just didn’t quite understand ALL of my career. Working with the dying and bereaved is a privilege and extremely difficult some days. I will do this until my last breath.

What’s One Thing You Would Never Change About Yourself?

I would not change how I squeeze everything out of life. If I am given an opportunity or a seat at the table no matter how scared, I will show up. I am passionate about life. I don’t sit on the sidelines, I guess because of my own death experiences I want to love deeply, laugh until it hurts and cry because I loved.

What has Made You Feel Successful as a Mom?

I think as mom’s we are constantly questioning if you did the right thing. I know I certainly ask that SO many times but the one thing I do know is that my kids can come to me about ANYTHING day or night. 

After my divorce three years ago, I thought I failed hard. I went through a very difficult time with them, communication was at an all time low and I felt heartbroken. 

But it was 7 months later when they started to came to terms with their own emotions, that they knew that mom never changed with her moral and ethics. I remained authentically me. Today, both my kids are beautiful healthy souls, love life, give back and they did not give up on their dreams. We connect, communicate and love on each other.

Ten Minute Tip

As a counsellor I would encourage you to think about who you want to be daily. Take a look in the mirror and really look. 

Who is it that you want to show up as today and remind yourself that your kids are watching you. 

YOU are the leader for your family. Kids catch your vibe so do what starts your morning off right…it sets the tone for the whole day!