I was never Class President or Homecoming Queen and, at the time, I really wasn’t in a place where I would welcome that kind of attention but now, years later, after overcoming my self-esteem issues, here I am, vying for two spots in the blogosphere both locally, and across the board. One might say that they are a popularity contest of sorts, but I choose to look at them as a sign of just how influential we are, as writers and bloggers, those of us who use new media to share, entertain, or inform.
My blog was started back in 2007 (on a Blogger site that still remains…) when my company was formed. My focus is on helping passionate parents become the moms and dads they have always wanted to be.
I’m borrowing this quote from another Parent Coach who I work with because I couldn’t have said it better myself: “It’s a rare exception to find a parent who doesn’t want, with all their heart, to be the best parent they can be to their children. It’s also a rare exception to find a parent who doesn’t doubt, struggle and wish that they knew more, and ached to be better.”
As a single mom, raising my young son thousands of miles away from our family, there are certainly many challenges I face on a regular basis. After losing my full-time job and having to downsize and change my lifestyle in many ways, I see the need, even more now, to continue to honor families, support parents and enrich relationships with the daily work that I do mentoring, coaching, and encouraging moms and dads, especially those who have recently separated from their co-parent.
I am humbled, honored and inspired by each and every person who comes across my path, every reader who leaves a comment, shares my words with others, and those who reach out to thank me, ask a question, or just to say hello.
Last year, in 2009, I was included on the list of the Top 50 Power Moms put out by Neilsen. Just this month, my blog was mentioned in San Diego Family magazine (page 103), and my blog is picked up on a regular basis through different sites focusing on health and well-being, including Wellsphere and Intent. I write as the San Diego Parenting Examiner, have a shop through The Open Sky Project and you can also find me as an expert advisor on Parental Wisdom. If there were more time in the day, you would find me elsewhere as I’ve been asked to write for many sites that I’ve unfortunately had to turn down in order to create a balance in my life that works for me.
I’m not sure who nominated me for this award through Influence San Diego, but I take it pretty seriously. The fact that I am influencing families, parents and their children is a big responsibility. We each influence the relationships in our lives, by the words we choose to say (or not say) and by the actions we choices we make and I hope, if nothing else, you reflect on this today when thinking about the way you communicate with those around you.
If you’ve voted for me, I thank you. If you’d like to, simply head over to the Influence San Diego website and click on the arrow next to my logo. When the arrow turns GREEN, your vote has been counted.
Here’s to another year of success, happiness, health and harmony.
Happy Healthy Hip Parenting
Peace Begins in the Home
