Juggling Motherhood, Ambition, and Gratitude During the Holidays (Part 1): A How-To Guide
Introduction
We’re standing on the threshold of another holiday season, a time when many of us naturally gravitate towards reflections and gratitude. Yet, it's also a season that often has the potential to come into conflict with our ambitions and career goals. In this blog post, we'll delve into the delicate dance between gratitude and accomplishing our ‘impossible’ dreams. We'll hear from women throughout the IMverse (Infamous Mothers Universe) on how they balance gratefulness with juggling the challenges of career aspirations. Also, we will answer some essential questions about how these two powerful forces— gratitude and ambition—shape our lives during the holidays.
The Power of Gratitude
Gratitude, the art of acknowledging and appreciating the good things in our lives, is a powerful emotion. It has the ability to transform our perspective and enhance our well-being. Acknowledging things we are thankful for helps us find contentment in the present moment, reminding us of the countless blessings that surround us, regardless of our individual circumstances. Whether we are a mom who has just purchased your dream home or you’re working to recover from your seventeenth relapse, gratitude is a powerful weapon to include in your arsenal. It can make a difference in the life of the single mom with six kids, as well as the married mom of three.
For many of us, practicing gratitude is a daily ritual, a moment of pause in our fast-paced lives to express thanks for the small and significant moments that bring joy and fulfillment. But how do we balance thankfulness with the ever-present ambition that propels us towards our goals? How do we juggle appreciating all that we’ve accomplished with the drive to do even more? How do we make peace with the things we’ve done when we still have so much further to go?
Wise Words from Women Balancing Gratitude and Ambition
To help us answer these questions, I reached out to women of the IMverse, and they did not disappoint. Here are some of their responses:
“That balance is something to manage daily..I’ve learned to linger in joy. To give myself space and time to be in the moment, reflect on how far I’ve come & trust the pattern of my life. I find that those quiet moments need to be more frequent, otherwise I’ll be so focused on what’s next that I lose appreciation for where I am and the inverse of what I’ve overcome.” -Beverly Hutchinson, founder and CEO of Scientific Motivations
“I literally say aloud ‘THANKS’ almost everyday within minutes of waking up. Before I even step one foot out of bed, for the gift of being alive another day. Seriously- just stop to consider that each day you rise, someone (and in reality multiple all around the globe) did not. So whatever I’m doing, I’m starting daily from that place of authentic gratitude for my continued existence. Yes, I may be doing great things and the plan is certainly to continue to do so. But I also try to share my life force with others through grace and joy. Life isn’t always easy yet is infinitely PRECIOUS. Thus, how I show up in spaces I do believe can help be a reminder of that through my words and actions.” -Rachel Werner, an author and Certified Holistic Nutritionist
“Gratitude is a practice, it is not an arrival. On the major days of my life when the abundance is ridiculously large, I am grateful when I flip a switch to a light, or turn on water. It allows me to realize gratitude is not only grand but incredibly tiny too. It’s just so beautiful. My ambition is to always be present to gratitude and abundance, everything else is secondary. A life without gratitude is never joyful.” -Natasha Ria El-Scari, Poet. Gallerist. Coach.
“Gratitude sets the stage to be able to be content and ever seeking as well. When we can appreciate what’s already been done, then we become able and willing vessels for GOD to do even more through us. I’ve been asked many times “How do you do all that you do?” My answer is simple - one day at a time. Understanding that the top of one mountain is the bottom of another keeps you grounded, appreciative of all that may have been done/accomplished, and hopeful for what’s to come. It’s realizing that there is no such thing as perfection or a specific destination, but rather the journey that makes life what it is.” -Teresina Simmons
“I write down my gratitudes, I also write down 1 mo, 3 mo, 6mo, 1 year, 5 year plans. This gives me something tangible to look at for those times when life has been hard. It’s a way to visualize my mountains and my valleys.” -H.Wordsmith
“I feel the passion that I have for whatever I do so I don’t put expectations on myself. I am a minister. I was created to do that. When I am a pastor I know God will take me through whatever. I don’t take myself seriously because none of my Dreams ever had anything to do with the American Dream. I do what I love and the money will follow. I like money but I don’t love it. Whatever I do I will be successful because I don’t expect anything.” -Karren Lawson, Minister
“It took me years to realize that my purpose in life is intentional. My gifts, talents, and skills are a gift. My confidence is in Christ Jesus, hence, I don't boast from my accomplishments, I serve and teach by confidently knowing who I am purposed to be. I live every day in gratitude that everything I do serves a divine purpose.” -Regina Baker, speaker and CEO
“Gratitude for me is a way to honor and celebrate the journey, it also helps calm my nervous system, savor what’s been created AND help to refill my cup, so that I have the clarity, energy and strength to continue pursuing the “big crazy goals.” -Amber Swenor, Transformation leadership coach, Business strategist, Speaker, Founder of Soul Seed, and author of Unleashed.
“Sometimes I read my resume or my website as if i came across it and it belongs to someone I just met. That perspective helps me respect, applaud, and appreciate my journey. I wonder, "Damn, what's she going to do next?" because she's going somewhere I want to go.” -Jen Wilson, Coach, Consultant and Author of Waking Up to Your Worth: Ten Touchstones for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
“For me, gratitude and ambition are unrelated. People can simultaneously be grateful and ambitious. The source comes from different places. I feel grateful in order to feel happiness. That’s where happiness comes from. And I spend most of my days chasing after ambitions, not because they define me but because I enjoy it. It’s a hobby. It’s addicting too. I get a huge sense of satisfaction competing with myself and my past self. It’s fun in the moment. It’s an adrenaline rush. But it’s temporary. I don’t let ambition define me. Gratitude is more permanent.” -Shabnam Lotfi, Attorney
“Engaging in regular reflection on the elements that enable our daily achievements reveals a stark reality: our privileges which we are grateful for are not divine intervention, or even hard work, but often stem from others' hardships. Recognizing this moves us beyond self-interest towards contributing to the common good. True success lies in creating positive social impact, not in accumulating wealth and being wasteful with resources we’ve achieved off of the backs of others. This perspective can transform us into agents of change and may redirect our goals entirely.” -Syovata Edari, CEO/Founder of CocoVaa Chocolatier
“At the very foundation of my every achievement lies a profound humility, a steadfast dedication to labor, and an acute awareness that both triumph and defeat are but fleeting moments in time. It is gratitude, like a steadfast beacon, that has invariably guided me through the shadows of each setback. Embracing gratitude, I find myself invincible in the face of every loss.” -Prenicia Clifton, Founder of Seein-Is-Believin Mental Health Advocate and Invisible Disease Survivor
“Pursuing goals and ambition is exciting and uncomfortable. When something is especially challenging mentally, physically, financially, spiritually, I'll pause and think about how thankful future Keena will be for today's practice of perseverance, patience, application of skills, etc. I sometimes think about younger Keena or my investors (people who have mentored, guided, poured into me or shared a critical word with me) or I think about my why and who I hope I'm impacting. All of this keeps me in the heart of gratitude while I work, and deeply supports my peace. I'm thankful for the path that brought me to this point. Rain, sin, mountain, valley, river, snow.” -Keena Atkinson, Founder/CEO/Wellness Professional of R’oujie Wellness
These incredible women all have something in common: they make gratitude a part of their daily lives while they chase their dreams. They know that gratitude isn't just an occasional feeling; it's a daily practice that helps them stay balanced, resilient, and happy on their journeys. Their stories show us how gratitude and ambition can coexist harmoniously, and they offer valuable lessons we can all relate to.
Incorporating "Covet: The 'Disrespectful' Health and Wellness Journal"
If you're looking for structured guidance, consider using "Covet: The 'Disrespectful' Health and Wellness Journal," which includes 12 weeks of edgy, fun, challenging, and thought-provoking gratitude prompts. This journal can be a valuable tool to help you navigate the delicate dance between gratitude and ambition, especially during the holiday season. It offers a structured approach to practicing gratitude and reflection, allowing you to maintain a sense of balance and purpose in both your personal and professional life.
Balancing Career Goals during the Holidays
The holiday season is a time of celebration, connection, and reflection. And yet, our ambitions don’t always recognize or even care that everyone else is drinking egg nog and/or catching flights around the country to eat, sing and be merry. While the world is vacationing, or spending time with family, the ambitious is still on the clock. Whether we're working mothers striving for career advancement, entrepreneurs with dreams to chase, or individuals committed to personal growth, the pursuit of our goals often intertwines with the holiday festivities.
To put it bluntly: The holidays can make it a challenge for us to pursue our goals, and vice versa, our goals can make it hard for us to enjoy the holidays. Sometimes, they clash. So how do we remain dedicated to building our dream lives while fully immersing ourselves in the Christmas spirit or getting excited about spending Thanksgiving with the people we love or looking forward to celebrating a new year? These questions are not limited to any particular group but resonate with anyone who seeks fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives.
In the following sections, we'll explore strategies that apply to women across the IMverse, whether they are living a luxurious lifestyle or passionately working towards getting that first big breakthrough.
The Art of Reflection
We just completed a three-part series that was officially called Mastering Your Life. But unofficially, it was about the importance of reflecting on Daily Sh*t. As we navigate this discussion, let's not forget the power of reflection. The holiday season is an opportune time for self-reflection. It's a time to look back on the year's journey, to assess our achievements, and to think about the paths that lie ahead.
By reflecting on our goals, progress, and the lessons learned, we gain clarity and perspective. But taking it a step further, we are also able to strategize. When we focus on the things that we are grateful for, we find moments to build and expand on. The things we are grateful for can point us in the direction of what’s working and how we can take that success to the next level.
It can also offer balance. My 2023 began with the unexpected death of my father, loss of his sister and the loss of someone from my childhood that I admired and cared about. At the same time, my daughter became pregnant, I had a few major breakthroughs in business, and after a decade of being incarcerated for a nonviolent crime, my children’s dad received a release date. How did I manage such extreme highs and lows? In addition to acknowledging and reflecting on how I truly felt about each experience, the common thread that ran through how I managed the highs and the lows was gratitude. I found a way to appreciate and celebrate those that I lost as well as the new gains. It wasn’t easy, but being consistent about showing up for this practice has made a difference in my mental health and my overall outlook on life— for the better.
But Wait…Can Women - Especially Mothers - Even Be Ambitious?
Of course, there’s always the question, “Can women have ambition? More specifically, can mothers be ambitious?” The resounding answer is, without a doubt, yes! Women have been breaking glass ceilings, shattering stereotypes, and busting through maternal walls achieving all kinds of success in various fields.
I think the real question is this: In a world that often tries to force women to choose between ambition and being mothers, how do many of us balance both? Often, the answer to that includes gratitude. Here’s how.
1. Gratitude encourages mindful presence in both motherhood and ambitious pursuits:
Gratitude serves as a gentle but powerful reminder for us to be fully present in the moments of motherhood and in our ambitious endeavors. In the whirlwind of daily life, it's easy to become distracted or overwhelmed. However, when we practice gratitude, we are prompted to pause and appreciate the beauty in our surroundings and experiences.
In motherhood, this means savoring the laughter of our children, the warmth of a hug, or the simple pleasure of a shared meal. Gratitude allows us to relish the small, everyday moments that make up the mosaic of family life. It reminds us that these moments, although fleeting, are precious and worthy of attention.
Similarly, in ambitious pursuits, gratitude encourages us to be fully engaged. It prompts us to acknowledge the progress we've made, the skills we've developed, and the support we've received along the way. This mindfulness enhances our focus, allowing us to work more efficiently and effectively towards our goals.
By encouraging mindful presence, gratitude helps us strike a balance between these roles, ensuring that we are not merely going through the motions but fully experiencing the richness of both motherhood and ambition.
2. It helps in stress management, allowing us to maintain emotional well-being:
Stress is an inevitable part of life, especially for ambitious mothers who juggle multiple responsibilities. Gratitude acts as a buffer against the negative effects of stress by promoting emotional well-being.
When we practice gratitude, we cultivate a positive outlook, even in the face of challenges. This positive mindset helps us cope with stress more effectively, reducing feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. Instead of dwelling on difficulties, we focus on what we are grateful for, which provides a sense of comfort and perspective.
Furthermore, gratitude encourages us to practice self-care, which is vital for managing stress. Whether it's taking a moment for mindfulness exercises, enjoying a hobby, or seeking support from our network, we prioritize self-care to better handle the demands of motherhood and ambitious pursuits.
Ultimately, gratitude serves as a shield against the detrimental effects of stress, allowing us to maintain emotional balance and well-being as we navigate our multifaceted lives.
3. It reminds us to cherish the love and support we receive while striving for success:
In the pursuit of ambitious goals, it's easy to become so focused on achievement that we overlook the love and support that surround us. Gratitude acts as a gentle reminder to acknowledge and cherish these sources of strength.
Ambitious mothers often have a network of family, friends, mentors, and colleagues who provide encouragement and assistance. Gratitude prompts us to express appreciation for the invaluable role these individuals play in our journey.
By recognizing the love and support we receive, we not only strengthen our relationships but also foster a sense of connection and belonging. This support system becomes a wellspring of motivation and resilience, empowering us to overcome challenges and reach for our aspirations.
In essence, gratitude ensures that we do not take the love and support we receive for granted. It encourages us to nurture these relationships and honor the role that others play in our success.
4. It instills a sense of purpose in our lives, driving us to pursue our passions:
Gratitude is intrinsically linked to a sense of purpose. When we practice gratitude, we often reflect on the blessings in our lives and the opportunities we've been given. This reflection naturally leads to a deeper understanding of our purpose and the desire to make the most of our gifts and talents.
For ambitious mothers, gratitude fuels the drive to pursue our passions with dedication and enthusiasm. We recognize that our ambitions are not merely personal endeavors but also a means of contributing to our families and communities. Gratitude becomes a catalyst for action, propelling us forward on our chosen paths.
Moreover, a sense of purpose derived from gratitude provides us with a greater sense of fulfillment. It aligns our actions with our values, creating a meaningful and satisfying life journey.
In essence, gratitude ignites the inner fire of purpose, encouraging us to pursue our ambitions wholeheartedly while finding deep fulfillment in our roles as mothers.
5. Gratitude is a guiding force that enables us to successfully navigate the complexities of our lives, fostering balance, appreciation, and purpose:
Gratitude acts as a steady compass that guides us through the intricate web of motherhood, ambition, and all the complexities of life. It serves as a constant reminder to strike a balance, appreciate the present moment, and pursue our goals with intention.
As a guiding force, gratitude ensures that we do not lose ourselves in the pursuit of ambition, nor do we neglect the joys and blessings of motherhood. It encourages us to find harmony and equilibrium in our multifaceted roles.
Through gratitude, we cultivate a deep appreciation for the journey we are on. We celebrate our achievements, both big and small, and express gratitude for the love, support, and opportunities that have enriched our lives. This sense of appreciation infuses our actions with meaning and purpose.
Ultimately, gratitude fosters a holistic approach to life, allowing us to successfully navigate its complexities while fostering a profound sense of balance, appreciation, and purpose. It empowers us to be both nurturing mothers and driven individuals, creating a life journey that is rich, meaningful, and fulfilling.
Introducing Strategies for Building a Daily Practice of Gratitude
Now that we've explored the profound connection between gratitude, ambition, mothering during the holiday season, let's dive deeper into practical strategies. These strategies will help you build and maintain a daily habit of practicing thankfulness.
Gratitude is not just an occasional feeling; it's a transformative daily ritual that can enhance your overall well-being, provide clarity in the midst of life's complexities, and keep you grounded as you chase your dreams. For women in the IMverse, these strategies are designed to resonate with you wherever you are in your journey and life.
By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can harness the power of gratitude to boost your resilience, maintain emotional well-being, and remind yourself of the love and support you receive along your journey. Let's explore these strategies together and discover how they can become an integral part of your life, helping you balance ambition and gratitude during the holidays and beyond.
1. Morning Gratitude Ritual: Start your day by listing three things you're grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth of your bed or the morning sunshine. Practicing gratitude in the morning sets a positive tone for the day.
2. Gratitude Journal: Keep a gratitude journal where you jot down things you're thankful for each day. Writing it down can make your gratitude more tangible and help you reflect on your blessings.
3. Daily Affirmations: Incorporate gratitude into your daily affirmations. Instead of just focusing on your goals, affirm your gratitude for the progress you've made and the support you receive.
4. Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness meditation with a gratitude focus. Spend a few minutes each day meditating on the things you're grateful for. This can help you stay present and appreciative.
5. Express Gratitude to Others: Don't hesitate to express your gratitude to those who have supported you or made a positive impact in your life. A simple thank-you note or message can go a long way.
6. Gratitude Partner: Find a gratitude partner or accountability buddy. Share your daily gratitudes with each other to stay motivated and committed to the practice.
7. Use Gratitude Prompts: Utilize gratitude prompts or tools like "Covet: The 'Disrespectful' Health and Wellness Journal" to guide your daily reflections. Such prompts can help you explore different aspects of gratitude.
8. Reflect Before Bed: Before going to sleep, take a moment to reflect on the day and identify three things that you're grateful for. This can help you end your day on a positive note.
9. Create a Gratitude Board: Design a physical or digital gratitude board where you pin or save images, quotes, or reminders of things you're grateful for. Visual cues can reinforce your practice.
10. Gratitude Walk: Take a gratitude walk in nature. While walking, focus on the beauty around you and express gratitude for the natural world. This can be a calming and grounding experience.
11. Family Gratitude Time: Involve your family in a gratitude practice. Each day, share what you're thankful for during mealtime or bedtime routines. It's a wonderful way to instill gratitude in children as well.
12. Reflect on Challenges: Even in challenging situations, look for silver linings or lessons learned. Practicing gratitude during tough times can help you find strength and resilience.
13. Set Reminders: Set daily reminders on your phone or calendar to prompt your gratitude practice. Consistency is key to building a lasting habit.
14. Track Progress: Keep track of your gratitude journey. Note how your practice evolves and the positive impact it has on your overall well-being.
15. Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate milestones in your gratitude journey. For example, after a month of daily practice, treat yourself to something special as a reward for your commitment.
This season, consider exploring these strategies, finding what resonates with you personally. Build a daily practice of gratitude takes time and effort, but the rewards in terms of increased positivity, resilience, and well-being are well worth it.
Conclusion
As we enter into the holiday season, we are reminded of the delicate dance between mothering, ambition, and gratitude. The stories and wisdom shared by the women of the IMverse demonstrate that gratitude is not just an occasional feeling but a daily practice that helps us find balance, resilience, and happiness in our journeys. It serves as the bridge that connects our roles as mothers and ambitious individuals, allowing us to embrace both with grace and purpose. As we reflect on our achievements and aspirations during this holiday season, may we continue to weave the threads of gratitude and ambition into the tapestry of our lives, creating a harmonious and fulfilling path forward.
P.S. — It’s Covet Season
In the Infamous Mothers Universe (IMverse), we're fully immersed in the transformative Covet season. This is the phase where extraordinary women in our world wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to becoming the versions of themselves that once seemed out of reach. During this season, women are achieving their health and wellness goals, increasing their bottom lines, and accomplishing things that were once deemed 'impossible'. Our mission is crystal clear: we exist to inspire, motivate, and educate you as you relentlessly pursue the very dreams you've longed for.
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ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Dr. Sagashus Levingston is an author, entrepreneur and PhD holder. She has two fur babies, Maya and Gracie, six children (three boys and three girls), and they all (including her partner) live in Madison, WI. She loves all things business, is committed to reminding moms of their power, and is dedicated to playing her part in closing the wealth gap for people of color and women. She believes that mothering is a practice, like yoga, and she fights daily to manage her chocolate intake. The struggle is real, y’all…and sometimes it’s beautiful.
Follow her on Instagram: @infamous.mothers