A baby fills a hole in your heart that you didn't know was there.
I consciously focus on my blessings and remember what has gotten me through my past struggles: my faith and the belief that everything happens for a reason.
If I actively practice gratitude, I am able to keep myself grounded in the high times and lift myself up in the low times.
My true inspirations are my kids and my husband. I'm also inspired by stories of my extended family, friends, and even strangers who cause me to look at my life and behavior and encourage me to be the best person, mother, daughter, and friend that I can be.
As a mother, anything to do with my children, whether it's supporting their school or programs that support their education and enrichment. As a wife, anything that my husband is passionate about and helps to support. As a community member, anything that supports the Vail Valley, the place that I call home. As a friend of the founder and true believer in their mission, an organization called First Descents. They provide adventure camps to young adults and adults with cancer or who have survived cancer.
My husband is the most honest, kind, hard-working, and genuine person, and I honestly don't know how I could ever live without him.
My children are my greatest gifts and my greatest inspirations.
My biggest pet peeve is inconsiderate people.
My routine is really based around my kids, and I try not to hold myself to a schedule, because it is always changing. What has been the most influential thing to help me keep my center is to set priorities and stick to them.
In order to handle emotional pain I cry. I vent. I zone out in front of the TV to escape. Then, after I allow myself to feel it and be human, I try my best to put things in perspective and start moving forward again. I consciously focus on my blessings and remember what has gotten me through my past struggles: my faith and the belief that everything happens for a reason.
I'm also very hopeful to continue my literary journey into the realm of children's books. To be able to read my kids a children's book that was inspired by them would be everything!
Maybe, through the stories I share about my life and others and the medical research that has been dedicated to the world of positive psychology, they'll relate to the power of a positive perspective and change the world one person at a time. Pipe dream, of course, but I love the thought of being given the chance to inspire!
I'd tell the planet to actively and consciously practice gratitude. To never give up hope. To believe in themselves and be true to who they are. To be kind. To share. To protect our planet for future generations.
I come alive by giving back, seeing my children smile and hearing them laugh, standing up for things I believe in, achieving a goal, being there for those who need me, spending quality time with my husband, and indulging in "me moments," whether it's a vacation or just a night out with friends.
My children are my greatest gifts and my greatest inspirations. That my husband is the most honest, kind, hard-working, and genuine person, and I honestly don't know how I could ever live without him. That my parents love me and I love and appreciate them. That I hate doing taxes. That my biggest pet peeve is inconsiderate people. That I love laughing, traveling, volunteering, and my friends. That my favorite smell is chocolate chip cookies baking in the oven. That I am blessed.
