Posted on Thursday, 25th February 2010 by Catherine

Recently I found Theta Mom’s site and really enjoy reading it. I encourage you to check it out.  The last Thursday of each month she does Time Out for Theta Mom encouraging moms to take one hour just for themselves.

Gasp – yes no children welcome during this time.

I have written about keeping your interests and passions a priority before and I do believe in the saying “if mom isn’t happy, no one is happy”.

As mothers we have a tendency to “set the mood” of the household.  I know when I get on one my rants the whole house pays.  So by taking time out for myself I am also doing my family a favor.

This month I want to share a story about my very part time business (and by very part time I mean barely make enough money to cover gas to the events).  I have always loved public speaking and decided after writing my book that I would try to share my story and ideas.

I started with MOPS (mother’s of pre-schoolers).  I was able to book about 7 speaking engagements from Sept – April.  I found I love the speaking curcuit. If I could do it more regurlarly without the pressure to make money or sell books I would be in heaven!   Of course that is not the reality of my situation but a girl can dream right?

I went to a MOPS group to speak on Feb 9th.  I had been at Children’s most of the day with Mason getting chemo and had also received some other stressful news.  Even though I was not really “feeling” it I mustered up the energy to talk to a group of women about finding perspective.

I bet you figured I could say a few things write another book on that topic (wink, wink).

When I arrived at the church I was anxious, a little worn down from the days events and not my usual upbeat self.  As I starting sharing my story and my thoughts I realized this (speaking) is MY therapy and a way that helps me to “walk in the shoes of my own life”.  Each time I talk to a group and I reach one person who says “thank you, you made a difference to me”  then I feel good and renewed.

After the presentation a woman approached me and said “Thank you so much, I really needed to hear your story and your ideas tonight”

I said “You are welcome.  I am glad it helped you.”

She told me that she had lost her mom to cancer just 5 days earlier.  While there is absolutely NOTHING I can say to comfort her I did tell her that I was so sorry.  I gave her a free copy of my book and hug.  I knew deep down inside that she did take away hope and strength from my words.

I find that if I can reach just one person then I have had a successful event. That night was no different.  Several women approached me and thanked me and shared some words about their lives and struggles.  I left with spring in my step.  A calm feeling about my head (which was spinning with thoughts just 2 hours earlier).

Most people don’t buy my book.  Perhaps they think that they cope well with adversity.  Perhaps it is because by purchasing it they would be admitting that they don’t cope well.  Who knows.  I do know what I am sharing is making a difference for someone who is struggling. That is why I continue to do it.

Would I love to sell millions of books?  Sure.  I would love to speak to larger audiences and get paid to do so.  I have these goals but marketing yourself and your book is a tough gig.  I am learning from each group I speak to and from the reading articles and websites. Speaking on Feb 9th was my “time out” for me even though it started out as a presentation for others.

I believe when you take time for you it makes you a better person.  A better mother, wife, friend, sister and daughter.  I encourage you to take a time out. You may be surprised at what activity brings you great joy.

Comments (13125http://www.theshoeboxdaily.com/2010/02/time-out/Time+Out2010-02-25+16%3A14%3A57Catherine)