In an effort to transition well into my new phase, I’ve taken an online blogging\u00a0course<\/a>, engaged in training sessions for my business,\u00a0and read some helpful\u00a0books.<\/p>\n In one book, the author had me write out skills that I’d developed in previous jobs in an effort to determine which skills I possess and which ones I need to acquire.\u00a0 I have to admit, the task was very difficult for me.<\/p>\n I’m just<\/em> a mom<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Now, please, don’t go crazy telling me that\u00a0being a mom is important and adds value to our society.\u00a0\u00a0I\u00a0know that.\u00a0 But I have to be honest…sometimes the value gets lost in all of the mundane, ordinary, boring tasks of the day.\u00a0\u00a0Driving kids to and from school, activities, and appointments is monotonous.\u00a0 Overseeing homework lacks excitement.\u00a0 Breaking up fights is exhausting.\u00a0 Continually pushing kids to do their best is draining.\u00a0 It makes a mom, or at least this mom, wonder if she’s really creating\u00a0any tangible value.\u00a0 It makes me\u00a0say things like,\u00a0I’m just<\/em> a mom.<\/p>\n The great thing is, I have a wonderful husband who is encouraging and supportive.\u00a0 He thinks of me as\u00a0bringing tremendous\u00a0value.\u00a0 In fact, he was bothered when\u00a0I said,\u00a0“I’m just a mom”.<\/p>\n The word just<\/em> means merely or only.\u00a0 So when I use it, I\u00a0convey the idea that\u00a0being a mom isn’t very important.\u00a0\u00a0I don’t use the word intentionally, but the more I say it, the more I begin to believe the lie.<\/p>\n So I’m intentionally going to stop using the word just<\/em> when referring to my role as a mom. And\u00a0I’m learning to\u00a0describe my skills in new ways.<\/p>\n I can organize the schedules of several people, ensuring that they get to places on time and complete their work in a timely manner.\u00a0 I can mediate disagreements to a favorable outcome for both parties.\u00a0 I can motivate and encourage individuals to work at their maximum potential.<\/p>\n Wow, who knew I had such skills?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" For the last 17 years, I’ve been a stay at home mom.\u00a0 It’s what I was\u00a0called to do and I’ve loved it.\u00a0\u00a0Yes, I was in way over my head with five kids in twenty-one months.\u00a0 Yes, there were days that … Continue reading ![\"photo\"](\"http:\/\/www.karen-gustafson.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/05\/photo-300x296.jpg\")
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