We're All in This Together (American Mothers)

This article that I wrote was previously published through American Mothers Inc.'s national newsletter (AMI Connect) on September 23, 2008

"We're all in this together" is a theme that repeats for me as I consider the spirit of motherhood. I like the idea of us moms banding together for common good and being supportive of each other despite any differences we may have. In this spirit of motherhood, American Mothers' interfaith approach is a great example of collaboration and focusing on what we have in common.

In an unlikely venue, an example of real women who demonstrated "we're all in this together" came from the softball teams of Central Washington University (CWU) and Western Oregon University (WOU). On April 26th, 2008, these competitive women arrived at the softball field ready to battle with the other team for victory. But, after Sara Tucholsky (WOU) hit a home run, she injured her knee and fell to the ground before she could make it around the bases. That's when two of her opponents, Mallory Holtman and Liz Wallace (CWU), got permission from the umpires to carry Sara to home plate so that she could score. The unlikely and inspiring sight had many fans from both sides cheering and crying in unison.

We come to American Mothers from a variety of "teams" based on our faiths and other groups of which we are members, but as American Mothers we are part of a larger, single team of "moms". Since we are on the same team and not in a competition, it just makes sense that we would carry each other around the bases when one of us needs support. So, in the game of life and through our united purpose of strengthening our families, let's keep lifting each other up and remember that "we're all in this together".


Caron Sada, Arizona YM 2008
American Mothers, Inc.®AMI Connect
September 23, 2008

Issue #18

This picture was not with the original article, but I wanted to introduce you to Lynn Johnson, the President of American Mothers, Inc. in Arizona. She is a great leader, great woman and a great mom; she was honored in 2004 as the Arizona Mother of the Year.

For more information about American Mothers the national website is http://www.americanmothers.org/ and the Arizona website is http://www.azmothers.com/

Multi-Purposing: Race for the Cure

Although I’ve been talking about multi-purposing for several years, I haven’t mentioned the concept on the blog. Then, today as I was signing up for the 2008 Race for the Cure I was struck with how many great multi-purposing opportunities this fun event offers.

We women are a group that sometimes revels in our ability to multi-task, but sometimes it might be a good idea to reduce multi-tasking and increase multi-purposing. When my brother, Greg, was little my mom remembers him saying, “Mom, look at me when I’m talking to you”. To my mom, this was her sign that she wasn’t as good at “multi-tasking” as she thought. Maybe if we multi-purpose more than we multi-task, we can create an extra few minutes a day to be fully engaged when someone we love would like to feel like they really have our attention.

Women are busy; we have long lists of things we want to do, need to do or think we ought to do. Perhaps we want to exercise more? Volunteer more? Spend more time with our families? Spend more time with our friends? Seek out positive atmospheres to revitalize us? Get out of the house just for fun?

But, instead of trying to add all of those tasks to a list that is already long enough, how about just doing one thing and accomplishing multiple purposes? Race for the Cure!

Below is a sample checklist of the “multi-purposing” you can achieve by being downtown on Sunday, October 12th with your family and friends. Hope to see you there!

Why Race for the Cure?

** make a difference - volunteer & donate so that the Komen Foundation can race for a cure ** exercise – you can walk, run or push a stroller ** have something to look forward to ** spend a quantity of quality time with your family ** spend a quantity of quality time with your friends ** be a health & social responsibility role model for your kids ** have a good reason to wear pink ** feel proactive, supported and supportive if you are currently affected by, or have been affected by, breast cancer (all of us?) ** keep your kids from saying “I’m bored” for several hours ** give your moms group an opportunity to bond with each other outside of your usual meeting place ** be in a positive atmosphere than can revitalize you and give you a sense of life in balance ** create great memories ** take good pictures for your family scrapbook ** find out where Arizona’s state capitol is ** have a snack/sample some products (there are always some vendors there passing out complimentary stuff) ** keep your house clean by having your family on an outing together ** laugh, cry and be inspired all at the same time ** feel like an important part of something BIG with thousands of other people gathered in one place for a common cause ** have FUN !



Race for the Cure
Sunday, October 12
Downtown Phoenix

For registration fees and more information, visit: www.komenphoenix.org

My friend, Carol, and I are in the picture before a previous Phoenix Race for the Cure. We used to work with each other and we were also neighbors & running partners. Then, she moved from Peoria to Ahwatukee so now we “meet in the middle” for weekend hikes at Squaw Peak and, often, a yummy breakfast at La Grande Orange Grocery at 40th Street/Campbell. There are SO many fun things to do in the Valley of the Sun!

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More Multi-purposing -

Think of how you can multi-purpose at home ... busy cooking, cleaning & doing errands? How can you help your children develop skills, feel competent and help you get things done all at the same time? Be creative ... there are lots of opportunities in daily life to accomplish multiple goals with one activity!

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Bargain Luxury - AJ's Fine Foods

When I walk into an AJ’s, for the duration of my visit I’m engaged in the ambiance of the luxurious gourmet market. And, sometimes when I shop at AJ’s I only spend 50 cents!

What am I buying?
~ a refreshing refill of my favorite iced herbal tea or pop/soda. AJ’s sells cold (or hot) logo cups for $2.99 and then you get unlimited 50 cent refills. If you need even more incentive to visit AJ’s, tell your children that they get to choose a complimentary cookie from the bakery while you’re there (yes, free cookies for children, too!).

The last time I visited AJ’s with my daughter, Ivy, we sat outside on their patio so that Ivy could eat her cookie and I could sip my iced Blackberry Jasmine Green Tea. We had fun taking pictures of my AJ’s cup (shown here!), laughing and enjoying the atmosphere together. There are lots of ways to get bargain luxuries, mini-celebrations and a sense of abundance into our daily lives. This is just one of them … thanks, AJ’s!

PS –
Yesterday my new banker at Compass, Tracy (a mom), told me that AJ’s makes the BEST macaroni & cheese and this morning my friend & running partner, Tresa (a mom), told me that AJ’s has the BEST apples in stock right now (Honey Crisp).

For more information about AJ’s and their locations, visit: http://www.ajsfinefoods.com/

Your Path to Solitude

Sometimes for us to see the trees through the forest, we need a little time away … time for our mind to quiet itself long enough to hear the sound of peacefulness … or maybe leaves rustling in the breeze. We moms have lots of things on our minds and since our brains are so active with our many roles and responsibilities, it is probably a very good idea to purposely wind down on a regular basis.

The pictures in this post are of my friend Cindy on a relaxed hike through Sedona’s Oak Creek and the West Fork Trail. This beautiful place is an ideal location for reclaiming a sense of peacefulness. After going over the bridge and past the trail head, you get to meander through the scenic red rock, lush vegetation and gentle creek path. You may find yourself purposely stepping into the creek just to touch the stream or sitting next to it while it lulls you into a sense of calm.

When you have an opportunity to hike this trail, Cindy and I both highly recommend it. If Sedona is not on your map for today, create your own path to solitude wherever you may be.

A Path to Solitude at Home with any amount of time:

30 seconds:
Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, slowly breath out before inhaling again ... then stretch your arms high above your head ... as far as you can ... then relax ... exhaling again

5 minutes:
Walk 2.5 minutes in any direction outside of your home and then return home ... see how refreshed you feel

15 minutes:
Take a bubble bath or warm shower just for the purpose of relaxing

30 minutes:
Walk 15 minutes in any direction outside of your home and then return home ... see how refreshed you feel (same or different from a 5 minute walk? You decide!)

7 hours:
head north from the Valley of the Sun toward Sedona listening to your favorite music … exit I-17 to 179 ... then take 89a to the West Fork Trail parking area not too far beyond Slide Rock … hike … drink lots of water … relax … have a picnic … relax some more … drive safely home listening to your favorite music … arrive home … relaxed ~



West Fork Trail – Sedona, Arizona
This trail attracts people from all over the world!


There is a fee to park here; you pay at the entrance and you do not need a Red Rock Pass. You may also choose to purchase a mini-trail guide. The parking area includes picnic tables and nice restrooms. This is a great place to go with your friend(s) and can also be a great family destination.

For more information and to see if this trail is right for you, see www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/westfork-tr.shtml


Other Fun Places to Consider Visiting in Sedona:

Tlaquepaque
This is a fun place to hang out & enjoy art, shops & restaurants.

www.tlaq.com


Chapel of the Holy Cross
If you want a moment to experience or express your faith, this place is ideal.

www.chapeloftheholycross.com


La Auberge de Sedona
This resort is just down the hill from most of the shops in the tourist area of Sedona; there is even a tram you can ride up & down the hill for free.

My husband and I got married at La Auberge on the banks of Oak Creek almost 10 years ago. The restaurant is also right on the creek with indoor or outdoor seating that is relaxed and elegant --- yes, you’ll feel comfy and immersed in luxury at the same time!

www.lauberge.com


Wildflower Café or Starbucks
Yes, these are chains but these two chains picked beautiful locations right next to each other for their Sedona sites (101 N Highway 89A). Start here, end your day here or take a break with breathtaking views. There are a few other shops for browsing at this complex, too.

www.wildflowerbread.com

www.starbucks.com

Anatomy of an Incredible Day - What is Yours Like?

Reflecting is something that I really enjoy doing ... as I'm hiking, driving, running, daydreaming, praying or pondering over coffee with a friend, I get things into perspective for myself and that helps me feel purposeful & fulfilled within my day, week & life in general.

In 2005, I created a document on my computer called "Anatomy of an Incredible Day"; the purpose of this document was to remind me of how I get to this "on purpose" state of being. I do things that are physically, spiritually and emotionally healthy; I focus on my priorities and I proactively engage in activities that I enjoy.

In my Anatomy of an Incredible Day document I list exercise at the top. Exercise is not my top life priority, but it is the healthy activity that I most easily let fall off of my list if I get busy. I printed my Anatomy of an Incredible Day and have it displayed in my laundry room because I find myself in there often. On a day when I might be feeling a little out of whack or blue, my Anatomy of an Incredible Day gives me reminders of what I might be able to do to get back on track and feel revitalized.

What can you do today to feel on-purpose, on track, revitalized or fulfilled? What is the Anatomy of an Incredible Day for YOU?

On the right is my version of "Anatomy of an Incredible Day" ... feel free to type over my words with your own ... or create your own title, format and version of this that is more meaningful to YOU! I hope the process of reflection is enjoyable and helpful to you ... thinking of you!




Related Reading:

The On-Purpose Person by Kevin McCarthy
This is a short book - I found it to be "quick read" and an insightful book! A customer I used to call on (Dr. Bailes) suggested it to me many years ago and I really appreciated it.


The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren
Regardless of your faith background, I think that this book has applications for everyday life and enjoying a sense of purpose/meaning on a daily basis.


The Success Journey by John C. Maxwell
This book is written from more of a business perspective ... a co-worker gave it to me for a Christmas gift many years ago. I appreciated it mixing the world of business with life; to me, it had an integrated life approach to defining "success".

Internet Messages are Forever: I Might Need a Time Out

Recently, I was having a conversation with one of my friends about the Internet awareness that teens need to have as they post information on their personal sites; the messages they post today may still be available to employers, constituents, potential fiances, in-laws and other VIPs from their futures ... people who they want to impress. Well, maybe rather than sharing my great advice with others, I should have followed it instead?

Yup, I made an error. After Sarah Palin was nominated to Vice President, I first enjoyed all of the back & forth about whether or not she, a mom, should have accepted the job. But, as the conversations seemed to continue to be mostly "us against them" comments as opposed to sharing different perspectives and wisdom with each other, I got irritated.

So, I wrote a note to a news person who I thought was contributing to the deterioration of the national conversation. That's OK, but the tone of my note had a swagger of arrogance and condescension (yuck!). I need to take a "time out" and do some reflecting on what I could have done better. If I followed my own advice in this area, I would have maintained a more graceful sense of humility as I participated in an engaging & lively debate.

This all came back to me today because I found out that the blog I used for this correspondence is available in on-line searches. Eek! I thought that I was just writing a private note to the news person - I did not know that the note would be so accessible, so public. How could I not know? Things we post on the Internet last ... just as our words we share with each other in our homes last. Next time, I'll choose my words and my tone more carefully.

How many minutes is a "time out" supposed to be if you're in your 40s?