I am going through two "courses" at the moment. One of them is a group Life coaching and the other is a Birth Business marketing course.
They both have similar homework assignments. I'm supposed to be coming up with a concise statement about what it is that I do or want to do in my business.
I am going to open a Perinatal Center. It will be a resource center for women and families in every phase of their childbearing years.
In today's society women are bombarded with messages that undermine their confidence about being able to give birth, breastfeed, and take care of their babies. The resource is going to be all about helping women be successful in all of those areas.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Birth and Death
Both are a passage of life. One into this world and the other out of it. As mothers when we welcome a new life we have no idea how long we will be privileged to have our child with us. But no mother plans to out live her child.
I cannot imagine being the mother of one of the students who died in the fire in Ocean Isle on Sunday. My heart goes out to them.
I cannot imagine being the mother of one of the students who died in the fire in Ocean Isle on Sunday. My heart goes out to them.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
For mothers
Some one sent this to an email list I'm on. There weren't any credits so I did some searching and found the original post. http://www.city-data.com/forum/parenting/154651-i-m-invisible-all-mother-s.html I'm Invisible...(to all Mother's)
I'm Invisible...It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to betaken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Pick me up around 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa c u m laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going. she's going... she's gone! One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees." In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: 1. No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. 2. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. 3. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. 4. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees." I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become." At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there." As mothers, we are building great "cathedrals". We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women. Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the rest to God.Liz
I'm Invisible...It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to betaken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see me at all. I'm invisible. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock to ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a car to order, "Pick me up around 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa c u m laude - but now they had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going. she's going... she's gone! One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England. Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; it was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why she'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees." In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: 1. No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. 2. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. 3. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit. 4. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by the roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees." I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place.It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become." At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness. It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there." As mothers, we are building great "cathedrals". We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women. Live Simply. Love Generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the rest to God.Liz
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Thursday
I've been reading some of my friends blogs and realize I have a long way to go before I will have a blog that people will want to visit regularly. But I'm just getting started and writing for other people to read has never been my favorite thing to do. Neither was public speaking but over the last five years I've actually gotten almost comfortable standing in front of people and opening my mouth. My knees no longer knock together when I do it.
So I know with practice my blog posts will get much better also. Bear with me. Eventually it will be worth your time to come back here and see what I've posted.
So I know with practice my blog posts will get much better also. Bear with me. Eventually it will be worth your time to come back here and see what I've posted.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
One of those days
Some days are all forward motion. Other days are 2 steps forward, 1 step backwards. And then there are the 1 step forward, 2 steps backwards days. Could be today fits in that category.
It has had it's bright spots but as far as getting anything done there's just not much to cross off the list. So it's time to regroup and plan for tomorrow.
And in case you are wondering this blog isn't about really saying anything, it's about trying to get into the habit of posting everyday.
It has had it's bright spots but as far as getting anything done there's just not much to cross off the list. So it's time to regroup and plan for tomorrow.
And in case you are wondering this blog isn't about really saying anything, it's about trying to get into the habit of posting everyday.
Monday, October 22, 2007
More on procrastination
My mind is a little foggy this morning due to less sleep than I need to be really sharp. I worked last night and took care of a little guy who didn't want to settled right down because his tummy was hurting. I found an article on overcoming procrastination that I like. http://www.stevepavlina.com/articles/overcoming-procrastination.htm He really hit the nail on the head for many of the reasons I put off doing things. I like the idea of telling myself I have a choice about doing a task. I think that will help me alot.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Procrastination
Ugh, the dictionary states-
–verb (used without object)
1.to defer action; delay: to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost.
–verb (used with object)
2.to put off till another day or time; defer; delay.
I know well what it is, the question is why?
Some words from the Thesauraus to help-
averseness, sometimes the tast to be done is unpleasant
dawdling, sometimes I'm just doing nothing
delaying, sometimes I truly think a later time will be better
doubt, sometimes I'm not sure I should do the task
indecision, sometimes I haven't decided I should do the task
uncertainty, sometimes I'm not sure of the outcome so I put it off to avoid a negative response
Procrastination is a pit of quick sand that pulls you down and keeps you from moving in a forward direction. Procrastinating in one area keeps me from being productive in all areas even if lots of busy work gets done avoiding the "evil deed"
Do it NOW! but the flip side is being easily distracted means there's an absolute necessity to recognize why a task runs across my brain. Is it because I want to be distracted from what I'm doing at the moment, or is it because it's something I've been putting off that I really need to do?
–verb (used without object)
1.to defer action; delay: to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost.
–verb (used with object)
2.to put off till another day or time; defer; delay.
I know well what it is, the question is why?
Some words from the Thesauraus to help-
averseness, sometimes the tast to be done is unpleasant
dawdling, sometimes I'm just doing nothing
delaying, sometimes I truly think a later time will be better
doubt, sometimes I'm not sure I should do the task
indecision, sometimes I haven't decided I should do the task
uncertainty, sometimes I'm not sure of the outcome so I put it off to avoid a negative response
Procrastination is a pit of quick sand that pulls you down and keeps you from moving in a forward direction. Procrastinating in one area keeps me from being productive in all areas even if lots of busy work gets done avoiding the "evil deed"
Do it NOW! but the flip side is being easily distracted means there's an absolute necessity to recognize why a task runs across my brain. Is it because I want to be distracted from what I'm doing at the moment, or is it because it's something I've been putting off that I really need to do?
Friday, October 19, 2007
MRSA
· Press Release
“Superbug” Solution Carried Locally
BabyCrazy Supplies Environmentally-Friendly “Superbug” Killer
Atlanta, GA. October 18, 2007
It has long been known that hydrogen peroxide can kill germs without being harmful to users. However, up to now, this remarkable chemical had not been considered stable enough to be practical as the foundation for a system of commercial disinfectant cleaners. Scientists at Virox Technologies Inc. have now developed a way to put this world’s oldest known antimicrobial to work. Patented accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) is a stable cleaning and disinfecting solution with enhanced germicidal activity that is not harmful to those who use it, or to the environment.
Now distributed by BabyCrazy, Optim 33 TB with AHP chemistry is the first real breakthrough in chemical germicides in over 25 years. It is not a mere substitute for current surface disinfection technologies, but a truly new technology with demonstrable superiority in a number of key areas:
1. Contact times
- 1 minute Bactericidal (including MRSA ‘Superbug’, E. Coli and VRE)
- 1 minute Virucidal (including HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, Influenza A and Polio)
- 5 minutes Tuberculocidal
2. Cleaning efficacy - one-step cleaning and disinfecting ability
3. User Safety - Optim 33TB carries no warning labels
4. Environmental Impact - hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen
Many chemical disinfectant manufacturers try to strike the difficult balance between the safety and the efficacy of their products. It is easy to create a disinfectant that will kill pathogens, however, that disinfectant may be harmful to users and may not be environmentally responsible.
With Optim 33TB, there is no longer a need to compromise on efficacy (contact times), personal safety or environmental integrity.
AHP is a synergistic blend of commonly used ‘safe’ ingredients that when combined with low levels of hydrogen peroxide dramatically increases its germicidal potency and cleaning performance. AHP contains only those ingredients listed on the U.S.A EPA inerts listing and the FDA GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) listing which contribute to unsurpassed health, safety and environmental sustainability. Optim 33TB carries no warning labels.
The benefits and efficacy of AHP have been validated by third party clinical studies conducted by scientific organizations and third party researchers that are recognized by government regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada and other countries around the world.
The applications for AHP are numerous. Widely used in medical offices, it is also commonly used in hospitals, long term care facilities, daycare centers, and other healthcare environments.
Optim is available locally by BabyCrazy sales representative Susan Breisch. Susan can be reached at 864-419-3289 or Careformom@aol.com
“Superbug” Solution Carried Locally
BabyCrazy Supplies Environmentally-Friendly “Superbug” Killer
Atlanta, GA. October 18, 2007
It has long been known that hydrogen peroxide can kill germs without being harmful to users. However, up to now, this remarkable chemical had not been considered stable enough to be practical as the foundation for a system of commercial disinfectant cleaners. Scientists at Virox Technologies Inc. have now developed a way to put this world’s oldest known antimicrobial to work. Patented accelerated hydrogen peroxide (AHP) is a stable cleaning and disinfecting solution with enhanced germicidal activity that is not harmful to those who use it, or to the environment.
Now distributed by BabyCrazy, Optim 33 TB with AHP chemistry is the first real breakthrough in chemical germicides in over 25 years. It is not a mere substitute for current surface disinfection technologies, but a truly new technology with demonstrable superiority in a number of key areas:
1. Contact times
- 1 minute Bactericidal (including MRSA ‘Superbug’, E. Coli and VRE)
- 1 minute Virucidal (including HIV, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, Influenza A and Polio)
- 5 minutes Tuberculocidal
2. Cleaning efficacy - one-step cleaning and disinfecting ability
3. User Safety - Optim 33TB carries no warning labels
4. Environmental Impact - hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen
Many chemical disinfectant manufacturers try to strike the difficult balance between the safety and the efficacy of their products. It is easy to create a disinfectant that will kill pathogens, however, that disinfectant may be harmful to users and may not be environmentally responsible.
With Optim 33TB, there is no longer a need to compromise on efficacy (contact times), personal safety or environmental integrity.
AHP is a synergistic blend of commonly used ‘safe’ ingredients that when combined with low levels of hydrogen peroxide dramatically increases its germicidal potency and cleaning performance. AHP contains only those ingredients listed on the U.S.A EPA inerts listing and the FDA GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) listing which contribute to unsurpassed health, safety and environmental sustainability. Optim 33TB carries no warning labels.
The benefits and efficacy of AHP have been validated by third party clinical studies conducted by scientific organizations and third party researchers that are recognized by government regulatory agencies in the United States, Canada and other countries around the world.
The applications for AHP are numerous. Widely used in medical offices, it is also commonly used in hospitals, long term care facilities, daycare centers, and other healthcare environments.
Optim is available locally by BabyCrazy sales representative Susan Breisch. Susan can be reached at 864-419-3289 or Careformom@aol.com
Thursday, October 18, 2007
What is a doula?
Search the web for a definition and frequently the result "woman servant" will turn up. Join Yahoo groups and other discussion boards and you may happen in on a lively sometimes heated discussion about what that means.
Each and every doula has their own interpretation about what it means to them to be a doula. Certifying organizations have "scope of practices" and guidelines that they want "their" doulas to use.
What is my job as a doula? To meet a woman where she is and support her through whatever she is going through. It's not about changing her to my way of thinking or convincing her to do something different. I'm a cheerleader, a hand holder, a shoulder to cry on, a smile to brighten the day, a ear to hear, a voice to encourage, and a presence to calm.
Each and every doula has their own interpretation about what it means to them to be a doula. Certifying organizations have "scope of practices" and guidelines that they want "their" doulas to use.
What is my job as a doula? To meet a woman where she is and support her through whatever she is going through. It's not about changing her to my way of thinking or convincing her to do something different. I'm a cheerleader, a hand holder, a shoulder to cry on, a smile to brighten the day, a ear to hear, a voice to encourage, and a presence to calm.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Fwd: Postpartum Progress - 2 new articles
Melanie Blocker Stokes Act Passes in U.S. House!!
On Monday, October 15th at 4:15pm, perinatal mental health history was made as H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act, was passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 382 to 3!! "What a thrill it was to watch from the Congressional Gallery as Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) made his final, victorious push for American, children and families," said Susan Stone, president of Postpartum...
Read the whole entry »
See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.
On Monday, October 15th at 4:15pm, perinatal mental health history was made as H.R. 20, the Melanie Blocker Stokes Postpartum Depression Research and Care Act, was passed in the House of Representatives by a vote of 382 to 3!! "What a thrill it was to watch from the Congressional Gallery as Congressman Bobby L. Rush (D-IL) made his final, victorious push for American, children and families," said Susan Stone, president of Postpartum...
Read the whole entry »
See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homepage.
Monday, October 15, 2007
MySpace
I'm working on having an "Internet presence." I'm told that one of the most effective means of marketing is to write. The problem is I procrastinate about writing and making phone calls. So even though I actually started this blog in March, I'm just now getting around to trying to learn how to use it.
I'm also working on keeping up with a Facebook page and a MySpace page. Here's what I wrote for my "About Me" section this morning-
About me:My name is Susan and I'm thrilled you stopped by my page. I'm a wife and mother of five wonderful children. I have a passion for helping mothers.
I am a childbirth educator, birth doula, and postpartum doula practicing in the upstate of SC. I offer services for expectant and new parents, including: - Instinctive Birthing childbirth classes, either private or class setting
-Labor and Birth Doula support, (call early, I limit my calendar to no more than 2 a quarter)
-In-home Postpartum Care (my specialty! which is why I limit the # of births I take on so I can be totally available for my PP clients)
I am a homebased business so that I can maximize time available for my clients.
I have done extensive study on perinatal mood disorders and facilitate a local support group for moms and families.
I am also a BabyCrazy sales representative. I love their products and I think you will, too. Check out BabyCrazy at http://www.iambabycrazy.com/sb
Friday, October 12, 2007
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