April 18, 2015

O is for optimism

Filed under: Mompreneur — lidia @ 11:10 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

O is for optimismO is for optimism

I’m a natural optimist. But I’ll admit, some days it’s tough to keep a positive attitude. Several months ago, I participated in a group that read and discussed the classic Napoleon Hill book, Think and Grow Rich. The moderator spoke about how your mind is like a muscle—sometimes you have to work that muscle to keep your thoughts positive and focused on your goals. On those days when I feel less than optimistic, I make an effort to flex that “muscle” and make the shift to thinking positively again.

Are you a natural optimist or do you have to flex your “muscles?”

P is for play

Filed under: Creativity,Mompreneur — lidia @ 10:00 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

P is for playP is for play

Most of us don’t play enough in our day. When you have a toddler, you have no choice (and my toddler will call me out on it if I’m not really playing). Kids help us see things from a more whimsical perspective: why shouldn’t a stack of Lego blocks be a robot? They help you slow down and appreciate simple, yet amazing moments.

Couldn’t we all use a bit of play in our business day?

 

April 16, 2015

N is for no

Filed under: Mompreneur,Time Management — lidia @ 10:00 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

N is for noN is for no

If there’s one thing toddlers are good at, it’s saying “no.” Business owners, not so much. I know I’m guilty of taking on too many responsibilities or overbooking myself. And as a mom in business, there’s nothing worse than feeling like you don’t have enough time for your child. If my 3-year old was presented with something he didn’t really want to do, he would simply say “no!” I’m going to start following his lead.

Is there something you should say “no” to today?

April 15, 2015

M is for mistake

Filed under: Mompreneur — lidia @ 10:00 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

M is for mistakesM is for mistake

Toddlers are constantly learning new things so naturally, mistakes happen. But they easily shake it off, move on, and (we hope) learn a lesson. In small business, mistakes happen too. But instead of feeling disappointed, what if we were to shake them off move on, and most importantly, learn from them? Then we would see it’s OK to make mistakes.

Did you learn from a mistake today?

April 14, 2015

L is for laugh

Filed under: Creativity,Mompreneur — lidia @ 10:00 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

L is for laughL is for laugh

My toddler spends a good part of his day laughing. Us adults on the other hand (and especially working parents), we seem to get bogged down in the seriousness of everyday life. Listening to my son laugh—and laughing along with him—always boosts my mood, especially after a stressful workday. Laughter truly is the best medicine.

Did you take the time to laugh today?

April 13, 2015

K is for Kohlrabi

Filed under: Creativity,Mompreneur — lidia @ 10:00 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

K is for kohlrabiK is for Kohlrabi

Several years ago, we signed up for a CSA (community-supported agriculture) from Harvest Moon Farms. Every week, I looked forward to opening the box of veggies that would inevitably include something I never cooked with, like garlic scapes and—you guessed it—kohlrabi. It forced me outside of my cooking comfort zone (and I realized how much I love kohlrabi!) Being a mom in business also forces you outside of your comfort zone. In both home and work life, you’re constantly being challenged to be creative in situations or find new uses for things.

What is the “kohlrabi” that gets you out of your comfort zone?

April 11, 2015

J is for jump

Filed under: Creativity,Mompreneur — lidia @ 4:46 pm

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

J is for J is for jump

It’s finally springtime in Chicago and I just came back from the playground with my 3-year old son, who had me running, climbing and jumping. After being cooped up for a long winter, it was exhilarating to get some exercise in the fresh air. After running a business for almost 15 years, sometimes I find myself getting too comfortable and needing a new challenge. That’s when I take a hint from my 3-year old and “jump” to get the blood flowing and kickstart my inspiration.

Do you take the opportunity to “jump?”

 

April 10, 2015

I is for inspiration

Filed under: Creativity,Mompreneur — lidia @ 10:00 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

I is for inspirationI is for inspiration

One of the cool things about becoming a parent is finding new sources of inspiration through your kids. My son inspired me early on (during our sleepless nights, to be exact) to start my line of baby and kids apparel, typebaby. He continues to inspire my design work, not to mention helping me to slow down and look at life in a different way.

What have your kids inspired you to do or create?

April 9, 2015

H is for habits

Filed under: Mompreneur,Time Management — lidia @ 10:00 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

H is for habitsH is for habits

Or should I say, changing habits. Once you have a child, you quickly realize that everything in your life has changed. You can no longer follow the schedule you used to have—which means changing your habits in both work and home life. I will say this was an interesting adjustment for me as I was accustomed to putting a lot of hours into my business, along with a very free-flowing schedule. Now, I often work around daycare drop-offs/pickups and other obligations that don’t allow me to work late. But you know what, that’s a good thing…

How have you changed your work habits since kids came along?

April 8, 2015

G is for gratitude

Filed under: Health & Wellness,Mompreneur — lidia @ 10:00 am

A to Z of being a mom in business: a daily blog series

G is for gratitudeG is for gratitude

I’m a big fan of gratitude. Whether it’s sending a handwritten thank you note to a client or friend or just putting grateful thoughts out into the Universe, I believe gratitude can change your life. When you’re a parent and a small business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday. But I like to take a moment every night to express my gratitude (either to the Universe or in my Gratitude Journal app).

How do you share your gratitude?

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