Comments on: On a personal note…

By: Elliot Ross

Elliot Ross — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:51:59 +0000

There is absolutely nothing more that I can add that has not been said better above

I can state that there are us folks out here that are in your corner!

PS – I just have to survive the 14 yr old now ,the older ones are already through the system …….

By: Elliot Ross

Elliot Ross — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:51:00 +0000

There is absolutely nothing more that I can add that has not been said better above rnrnI can state that there are us folks out here that are in your corner!rnrnPS – I just have to survive the 14 yr old now ,the older ones are already through the system …….

By: Suzannah

Suzannah — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:48:56 +0000

Kudos to you for taking the courageous leap of being honest and open about this, and I have no doubt that the people you have touched – through coaching, your personality, your integrity, your blog, etc. – will wait for you.

I met some spectacular women at the annual Canadian Association of Professional Speakers conference a few months ago – all moms, and all successful in their careers too. But they admitted that sacrifices had to be made for the sake of the family, and that it was likely that their businesses could have been bigger and more profitable, they could have had more books written, and had more opportunities for international travel if they didn't have a family. However, the upside is, they had a family! And they loved and adored their family, and wouldn't give it up for all the money and all the international travel in the world. At the same time, many of them 'involved' their kids into their lives, because they wanted to show the kids that their mom has a passion, and that she has to continue doing this passion in order to be the best mom ever. Of course, it's not always sunshine and roses, and it's not always easy, but they were very proud that their kids were able to see that their mom is passionate, dynamic, and ambitious.

Take it one day at a time, and I have no doubt that when you decide on the right path, you'll be stronger than ever. Best of luck with your journey.

By: Pat Snow

Pat Snow — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:15:56 +0000

Hi Cristina, I admire you for your courage to share your humanity with all of us… everything you are sharing is a gift… and an inspiration for others to be brave. You are amazing!

By: Kenya

Kenya — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 18:43:18 +0000

You are not alone. It's sometimes easier to have the knowledge and wisdom and give it to others but not follow it yourself. It happens. One of the ministers at the church I attend admitted the same thing. She was encouraging us to believe God for deliverance and to hold on and have faith in Jesus for our situations but wasn't acting on this same encouragement for herself. Life can get to you but that is why you need a strong support system and reach out to others. God bless you, Jesus loves you and I am praying for you.

By: Katie Baird

Katie Baird — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:11:34 +0000

Dear Cristina,

Hugs and respect, piles of both from this gramma and mom of 5.

I have lived through the tornado that is motherhood, no matter what the kids' ages. I remember the craziness and the late night prayers that my kids would thrive despite our chaotic life.

I also remember my unique look during that time included blowing my long hair dry by putting my head down near the heater, keeping one eye above the dashboard, on the road, while racing to get to wherever we were headed.

I NEVER felt like I had it all together back then, for about, what 15 years?

Somehow it all works out.

They are grown and happy and accomplished, and I'm still working.

Breathe deep and keep your focus on the present.

I look forward to reading the rest of the story!

By: lu Pierro

lu Pierro — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 14:51:58 +0000

Hi Christina,
While we want to spend time with our children, there is a piece of us which needs to be creative, involved, etc. I am recently reading works on resiliency. Resilient kids make it in today;s world. I have found after 30 plus years working with children. The most resilient kids tend to be kids who know how to self regulate and how to survive not having their every whim met. Now this may seem counterintuitive to the mommy gene, but in the long run, it does pay off. Why not hire a high schooler to spend a couple hours a week with the kids while you retire to your office to do what you love to do?
Have a planned activity for them; i.e. craft, baking cookies, going for a walk.
You will all feel renewed, refreshed… and happy.
My two cents.. lu

By: Havi Brooks (and duck)

Havi Brooks (and duck) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:56:19 +0000

Look at you … modeling honesty and intensity and passion! What a relief to know that even the experts fall apart … instead of having to say “Oh boy, I could never be like HER”, we get to say “Wow, if she can find ways to share how she interacts with difficult times so can I …”

And then when you've turned the corner and are all fabulously successful, we'll know that you really truly get it.

Yay Cristina, is all I have to say. Hang in there, honey. And take care of yourself.
xo

By: Margaret Howe

Margaret Howe — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:25:45 +0000

I've so been here. When we had our first foster kids, they were ages 2 & 3 and I ended having to put them in preschool a couple of hours each morning. I just could not get anything done or think straight. Me, former Daycare teacher of awesomeness. And right now I'm running a family daycare with 3 kids, on the verge of adopting 2 kids and I wonder, can I do this plus all the things I want to do? Its not bad to let some things go for a while, or go more slowly than you had planned. And its not even bad to let your kids be watched by someone else from time to time. Actually I found, it was good for them to have perspectives from other people- and I found I was a much better mommy when I had time to get our lives in order. Wish you the best.

By: Jacki Hollywood Brown

Jacki Hollywood Brown — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:04:50 +0000

First of all you will look back on spending time with your kids with joy and that is nothing to apologize for.
I can completely relate. Hubby took an out of town job for awhile and I'm “manning” the fort. This leaves me all of 17 hours a week to run my business.
However, I DO get to race Mariokart, watch Hannah Montana and go swimming twice a week!