What's calling you?

A job is great

it pays the bills

careers achieve our goals

But a calling

fans the flame within

fills the hole

inside our souls

This is going to be a short post (relatively) because it's really a teaser to inspire new viewers to check out some other places, previous posts, my poetry book (!), a few really incredible fb groups, etc. (Links to all at the end.) This post is about the voices that call us, like the voice that calls Elsa in Frozen II, like the voice that talks to Lizzie McGuire in that old Disney tv show, like the gut feeling that whispers do this or do that or sometimes... don't.  

We are all called to think and say and do all kinds of things. Not everyone knows their "true calling", but maybe you've heard that little nudge in your heart, and maybe following its advice will take you one step closer. 

Above is an excerpt from a poem called "Calling" and there's plenty more where that came from.

When nature calls, in whatever way that manifests, heed the call. 

Take it from someone who shat their pants literally and figuratively, don't wait.

I challenge you to try

Xoxo 

Mama Gali

Book link - (it would mean the world if you'd leave an amazon review, any length, any feedback, thanks in advance)

Previous blog post - take an extra minute, it's worth reading.

We Tell Stories - This is a Facebook group that is ... incredible. It's helped me with confidence, courage, and connection. So many beautiful souls in this group. 

Life Hack - Permission to Prioritize

Life Hack #782

Remember that you're human,

 and choose 3 high priority tasks from your list.

Let me say it louder for those in the back...

ITS OKAY TO SAVE SOME TASKS 

FOR TOMORROW!

Even before I became a mom, but definitely more so now that I juggle a full time job and two kids under age 4, I felt the need to accomplish alllllll the things. If I walked a mile, I'd kick myself for not running it. If I drank an extra glass of water, I'd kick myself for still not drinking the recommended 8 glasses per day. For some idiotic, idiopathic reason, I have consistently and constantly pushed myself harder than is reasonable, and responded to the inevitable perceived failures with depression and burnout. This "If I don't do everything then I've failed" mindset hasn't served me well, and with this post I commit to do the work of kicking it to the curb. And yes, it's work. I will slip up, and that's okay. Every moment is an opportunity to restart the effort. 

Anyone else guilty of
trying to do everything?

Changing a deeply ingrained thought pattern isn't easy, so I hope that if you're reading this, you'll help to hold me accountable. When I reach out to you, and even when I don't, take a second to remind us both, that no one asked us to do everything. At work, around the house, in parenthood, and on vacation, it's okay to not do everything. Sometimes, I even follow my own advice and relax! 

"BAD MOM" MOMENTS

• Sometimes my kids eat ice cream for breakfast, but at least they're getting dairy in their diet. 

• Sometimes my toddler and baby watch PBS kids for longer than recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics - (click here for more info), but at least mom had a free couple of minutes to cook dinner! 

• Sometimes we eat microwave nuggets and baby carrots smothered in ranch, but at least we are blessed with food and electricity. 

When people say "Count Your Blessings", I don't think they intend for us to pretend that life isn't stormy, and stressful, and sticky (how are toddlers always sticky?!). For me (and you can quote me on this) to count your blessings means to look for rainbows and silver linings, to focus with every step on that light at the end of the tunnel, and to give ourselves the grace of not constantly seeking more, and better, and faster. 

💃   Who cares if people stare 

when you dance in the rain, 

they're just jealous that

 they haven't given themselves

 permission to dance too! 💃

So next time someone rains on your proverbial parade, smile through it, flip them a mental bird, and use that rain to fuel your growth! You are a badass, unicorn, lovely and loved rockstar, and in case you haven't given it to your yourself, you have my permission to kick fear in the face and live your best life. (Of course, if your best life includes leaving a comment on this blog or sharing the link with a friend, that's would be super fantastic and I wouldn't hold you back... 😆)

SHOUT OUT to Diane Xuereb and Denise Pink for inspiring this post with their recent podcast, "What If It's Not True". (Click this link to listen)

Sending vibes of peace and love,
light and laughter, and lots of relaxation,
from your friend and mama bear,

Gali (internationally-known* author of "Love Louder" 💞)


*Disclaimer: The people who know me internationally already knew me before publication, and may or may not be friends and family. Either way, sounds pretty cool, right? 😆