Jill Coons, working to make a difference.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This month I am going to bring you a few different stories of how Breast Cancer has affected the lives of several amazing moms. While breast cancer got me started talking to these amazing moms- there is much more to be learned from their stories.Jill Coons (no relation to me) first learned her mother had breast cancer when she was in college in the late 80’s. Her diagnosis came at a time when breast cancer diagnosis and treatments were not nearly as advanced as today. Amazingly, Jill’s mom battled cancer for 14 years and lost her fight in December of 2008.
When I asked Jill how she coped with the diagnosis of her mother’s cancer and ultimately her passing, Jill mentioned a symbol of hope that keeps her mother’s memory alive and inspires her on a regular basis: Ladybugs. (more…)
Don’t forget the Chia Pet?
There are days when I get cold feet over developing the online baby book that I have been dreaming about. Thus far, I have invested time, money and taken on some partners in the deal. I have a writer editing the book, an artist illustrating it and a graphic designer creating a logo. I have signed a contract with Dice Media for site design and programming. I don’t just have a toe in the water….I dog-paddling in the deep end!When I start doubting myself and get close to quitting I get some sort of sign to forge ahead. The other day I randomly started singing the theme song for the Chia Pet which started me thinking about a few products that have had amazing success with nothing more than a simple (sometimes crazy) idea: one example the Chia Pet. What was that thing? I remember commercials for these creatures, piles of them for sale at Sav-On pharmacy and I even received one at an office gift exchange. Another example: the Sham-Wow. The amazing towel that cleans up everything. I came close to ordering one, going so far as to dial the number. Other silly/successful products I have seen: the clapper, baby on board sign and the “life is good” t-shirt- to name a few.
I have heard from several of my readers who want to start their own small business. Fear is a very powerful deterrent and doubt can be a deal-breaker too. When you have moments of fear or doubt, think about that silly Chia Pet and stay inspired.
Erin Condren- remember that name.
I have been wanting to write Erin Condren’s story from the day I launched the inspired mom. She is an incredible role model for mom entrepreneurs. She was the person who actually got me started dreaming about “possibilities”. Her success has been an inspiration to me and I hope you find some inspiration too.Erin’s journey to success was hard fought and included some setbacks that might have have caused many-a- woman to throw in the towel. The lesson to be learned from Erin is that sometimes disappointment is part of the actual journey on the road to success. (more…)
Does this look inspired?
This is a picture of my kitchen sink. I took this picture around noon and my kitchen looked like this last night too. If I had one of those panoramic cameras to show you the rest of the room, you might have declared us to be absolute pigs over here on Walnut Ave. I called one of my girlfriends this morning and laughed- who I am to write an inspired mom blog- if anyone dropped by to say hello, I would have some of explaining to do, because things sort of fell apart for me yesterday. Not only did I neglect to empty the dishwasher and do the dishes but I also left beds unmade all day and ordered pizza for dinner.My girlfriend eased my mind by reminding me it is impossible to be motivated/inspired every day. Even with her reassurance, I felt a moral obligation to bring my “lack of motivation” to my readers because my friend is right. Even if you are extremely motivated to reach a goal, there will be days when the energy to move forward is difficult to muster. The key to staying on track is that you allow yourself to have unproductive days or weeks- then you refocus and get back on track.
Now, if my husband is reading this (he has been out of town for 5 days) and sees this picture, he’ll know what goes on when he’s not around to help out!
