EPISODE:
I will set the scene. Intro you, tell how you raised two daughters, two years apart, and lived your life in a way that best suited being present for us as a mother. After staying home with us until we went to school, you then took jobs that allowed you to be home after school and off in the summers. Amazing.
Mention episode one, the story behind this business, and explain how I couldn’t have created this business if it wasn’t for the person you have helped raise me to be. And I couldn’t be sad or upset or hold any disdain toward you because of the way you raised us. It was beautiful. But I did feel “guilt” or shame” for not being there for my children the ways you were there for Deanne and I. Which I break down moreso in episode one.
After working through these thoughts, I knew that I wanted to help other moms know it’s ok to not be raising your children the same way you were raised and that it’s ok to show up as the best version of yourself as a working mom. But before I wanted to help others do that, I knew I wanted my mom to know that this mission isn’t because of what she did but rather is because of what she did. How beautiful is that?! To know I couldn’t be who I am today, doing what I am doing today, if it wasn’t for the life she gave me, is credit that is owed to you, mom.
The tagline: “You’re not the mom your mom was, and that’s ok.” is really a way to give working moms of any age comfort in knowing it’s ok to lead a life differently than how we were raised while also giving validation and credit for the ways our moms raised us. I oftentimes need to remind myself of this when I’m buying cookies for the class party instead of making the sour cream cutout cookies my mom did, that she is VERY well known for and rightfully so. She loved doing that and that’s ok. And I love creating a podcast instead, and that’s ok too. We’re both valid in our experiences and choices, and finding respect for one another in that is the goal.
And with that, I introduce you to my mom, Beth Donley. Hi, Mom.
Banter back and forth for a bit.
I’m proud of you for doing this today!
Motherhood looks differently for you today than it did 30 years ago. Tell us, what have been some of your favorite things about being a mom?
Did you always know you wanted to be a stay-at-home mom?
You began working outside the home again when I went to Kindergarten. Do you remember any liberating or fearful thoughts that went through your mind at that time?
What were some “things” you know you wanted to implement as a mom when you were raising Deanne and me.?
Did you ever struggle with the feelings that you weren’t doing “good-enough” as a mom? If so, which moments stick out to you? Any specifics thoughts?
Tell us how you were raised as a child by your mom.
Did that influence your choices as a mom?
To redefine what us working moms are telling ourselves, what wisdom/thoughts/advice would you give us?
What a pleasure it was to have you, Mom, as the very first guest on the Working Moms Redefined podcast. It’s because of the mom you have been and continue to be and Grandma, might I add, that has allowed me to be me. Thank you.
Most of us feel a level of not being good enough in some area of our lives. The best thing to aid in that? Joining in community. There is such power when you get women around a table for support, discussions and fun. We would love for you to join our Working Moms Redefined Community. Learn how to get involved today in the show notes. And be sure to sign up for our weekly e-mail!
