Warning :: Happiness + Success Is Not Enough

In January, I shared with you that my word for 2014 is FLY.

And I’ve been flying.

But there was something I forgot about flying.

Lemme explain.

Check out this pic from our Femfessionals lunch yesterday.  The room was filled with women entrepreneurs connecting, elevating, and inspiring one another.  We had the amazing Share Ross, Vixen bassist and an extraordinary coach for creative entrepreneurs, speak to the group about creating fans through video.  She was a huge hit.  (Expect some tweaks to MOMsterMind TV…)

And last week was the final session of the beta launch of my MOMsterMIND Circle program, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with how it went.

There were tears, hugs, laughs, worksheets, white boards, journals, mantras, community, support, tumblers, breakthroughs, a-ha moments, massive action, and lots of coffee!!
(Stay tuned for my announcement of the program going LIVE online – accessible for anyone, anywhere in the world!  I am so excited to take this movement global – we no longer have to choose between 9-5 and SAHM – we are forging a new path, one mom at a time).

Great stuff, and awesome feedback, right?!?

Could sound like I’m bragging, right?

I’m not.

I’m confessing.

While I emotionally identify as being extraordinarily happy, these last few weeks have taken a toll on my body.

The busier I have gotten over the last few months, the more I’m bowing out of my morning bike ride with my mom and stepdad.

The more I take on, the more I’m skipping my morning meditation.

The more I take on, the later I’ve been going to bed, and the less I’ve been eating.

And then about a month ago, I woke up one morning unable to turn my head.

My neck was just throbbing.

And my face broke out.

Worse than it ever did as a teenager.

My body was letting me know.

“Stacy, you are stressed…

You’re neglecting me…

You’re not taking care of me…

I know you’re counting on me, but I’m hurting…

Can I count on you?

I went for a massage.

Felt better for a day or two, then it was back.  Couldn’t turn my head.

Suffered a few weeks, went for another massage.

Felt better for a few days, then back.

Finally, today I saw a chiropractor.

I got “adjusted.”

When I heard the crack sound coming from my neck as Dr. Bofshever adjusted me, I cried.  I’m not a big crier, so this was surprising.

But in that moment, the truth was bare.

I may be FLYING, but I’m not taking care of the plane, the engine, the mechanics, while I fly.  I’m not doing the maintenance.

I haven’t been prioritizing self-care.

And today, I’m declaring to you that this little self-care hiatus is over.

My body deserves better.

My little man deserves better.

My husband deserves better.

My clients deserve better.

My community deserves better.

And you deserve better.

I am better for everyone else in my life, when I take better care of myself.

And so are you.

I’m going back to Dr. Bofshever next week and will continue in her care, and I am re-invigorating my meditation practice beginning with a bedtime meditation tonight, and a morning meditation tomorrow.

I’m telling you this because when we publicly announce we’re going to do something, it’s a lot harder to slack.

I’m also cracking open my Happy Mamafesto to remind myself of the little things I can do to make sure I’m taking care of myself.  If you don’t have a copy of the manifesto, grab one here (it’s free).

That’s what I’m starting with.  I’ll weave more in gradually so it’s sustainable.

What can YOU do to take better care of yourself?

Tell me in the comments below so we have support and accountability both ways.

In love and gratitude,

Stacy