The Change that Made the Difference

When I started out as a Mom of 3 boys, I felt great about my Motherhood. I was sure that on my tombstone it would say..."She Was a GREAT Mom" Then in 2001, after we adopted our 3 girls, all I could hear was the sound of a sandblaster removing those words from my tombstone in preparation of replacing them with... "She STUNK at Being a Mom"    
 
My Dad always taught me to "work smart", which was basically the concept of using the right tools for the job. Well, a few months into my new job it became pretty clear to me that I was NOT EQUIPPED with the right tools for my new job as Mom to my daughters.

It was a little deceiving to say the least. I mean, a Mom is a Mom is a Mom...right? I was doing well at being a mom to our boys - my toolbox of tools was working. If the tools are working for one child, they will work for all of the children - what's the big deal?

Well. it was a big deal! My focus was on having tools, but I missed the part about having the RIGHT tools for each job. Choosing to be equipped with new and different tools for each of our children was the change that made the biggest difference in my family's happiness and in my effectiveness in my job as Mom! 

Getting equipped is an intentional choice in life - it is ultimately in your control!

Being really equipped for any role you have is powerful! It takes letting go of old ways, tweaking your mindset and seeking out help and support. The incredible end result of being equipped with the right tools for the job is that it empowers you to feel competent, successful and filled with HOPE. It is then that you can really make great impact on the world, better your lives and the lives of those around you, and be the change that makes the difference in your world.  

Some steps to begin to be equipped with the right tools for the job...

-Surround yourself with like-minded people, those that are walking your path
-Find a mentor or coach
-Be open to change
-Be willing to try new things
-Share your story...the good, the bad and the ugly...then listen
-Seek out education - over and over and over again - we are never done
-Keep your eye on the good in your life
-Choose to hold onto HOPE 

You CAN do this! Take action today...work smarter not harder!
Be empowered, be equipped and be filled with HOPE!   

Remember...you are NOT alone!
Stacy Manning