Unplugging magic + HUGE mommy organization giveaway!
Do you guys remember waaaaay back when I mentioned this awesome motherhood retreat I went to with my cute SIL? Well guess what? I asked the co-founder April to speak to us today to help us wrap up Focus on Relationships month! She is going to talk about the magic that happens when we unplug from our electronics (namely our cell phones), and plug back in to our kids. Has the Unplug Challenge been as hard on anyone else as it's been on me?? P.S: Spoiler alert! She is also giving away some MAJOR prizes so be sure to read to the bottom. Take it away, April!
A smart phone can often become more of a distraction than a help. And by always being available to “everyone else,” we, as mothers, are becoming unavailable to our families.
Have you felt that, too?
There's been lots of talk about what role “the phone” plays in motherhood, and I think we're all trying to figure out the right balance, but it's become more and more clear to me in the past few months that I have to be extremely deliberate about how much time and attention I give this smart phone of mine.
Because there is something else that matters more.
Early last year, I decided that I would only check my email and text messages at certain intervals during the day. Wow, that was a switch, but I'm keeping at it, and it's made a big difference!
One Friday afternoon, I picked up my son Spencer from kindergarten just four hours before I needed to leave to our L.A. Power of Moms Retreat. There were some last-minute emails flying around and a few logistics I needed to figure out, but as I got out of our van, I resisted the urge to check my phone for any incoming messages.
“Hey Mom! Do you know there's a black car down the street that looks just like my friend Phoenix's?” Spencer asked.
“No, I didn't know that. What does it look like?” I responded (with real interest…not distracted interest like I sometimes show).
Well, Spencer got the BIGGEST smile on his face, so we went into the garage to get our umbrellas, walked up the street, checked out that cool black car that looked just like Phoenix's, and then made the two-minute walk back in the rain.
And then I realized something about myself that pricked me in the heart a little bit.
I've let myself get too distracted by my phone and my task list and my schedule. And I'm pretty sure I've missed out on some special moments like the one above.
There are all kinds of reasons and excuses–good ones–that I can provide, and I AM with my children for most of each day, but I don't want to miss chances to walk in the rain with my kids or paint nails on the kitchen floor with my daughters or laugh with my husband at night before I go to bed (because he is hilarious).
So I've made the decision that when my kids are around, I'm going to do everything I can to be accessible to them. And that means I've been missing text messages and not responding to emails as quickly as before. But something sweet and precious and magical is happening in my life that I simply can't afford to miss.
If you're in the same boat as I am–trying to get the right things done while still being present with your family, I hope you'll enjoy participating in a huge giveaway Power of Moms is sponsoring here–just for the Fun Cheap or Free audience!
Prize #1: THREE Virtual Retreats – $97 value EACH!
Need some inspiration in managing, enjoying, and finding the magic in motherhood? Our Virtual Retreats focus on nurturing and taking care of yourself–remembering your personhood in your mothering and also building family systems–which include family culture and traditions, discipline, and teaching your children about money and work. Both our virtual and live retreats are life changing. The feedback we have gotten from these is amazing, and we hope it will help you too!
Prize #2: FIVE Mind Organization for Moms Complete Programs – $75 EACH!
If you're struggling to get your “to-do” list done (because it does need to get done–just not at the expense of the family), this program is for you! It's a mom-specific adaptation of David Allen’s best-seller, Getting Things Done®, designed to help you accomplish your most important tasks so you can more fully enjoy your family. In our simple online program, we'll show you how to clear your counter of “the pile,” organize projects without the stress, set up an effective Weekly Review system, and keep up with the never-ending stream of emails, phone calls, and papers. Most importantly, we'll provide you with the tools to stop the constant stream of reminders and worries that keeps cycling through your mind and keeping you up at night (yes, it's possible!).
And for EVERYONE: Here's a Brand New eBook called “Master the Whirlwind” – FREE for everyone!
This 25-page eBook features tried-and-true principles to help calm your mind, tame your task list, and truly enjoy your family. Based on the principles of the international best-seller, Getting Things Done and our Mind Organization for Moms program, it is full of simple, quick strategies any busy mom will love.
(2) Then in the comments for this post, let us know which one you did and share a way you're trying to be a more deliberate mother.
My everyday makeup tutorial…using mostly DRUGSTORE makeup!
I logged out of facebook for a couple of weeks to be more present with my family. What a difference it makes.
I already love Power of Moms – I check it everyday and try to follow their advice (that’s how I’m a deliberate mother!). But a virtual retreat would be so fun!
I’m attempting to cook more and have the family sit all together at the dinner table. No phones allowed!!! My 4kids are really enjoying our time together. My husband and I enjoy it the most!
I downloaded the ebook and can’t wait to read it! I’ve tried to be a more connected mom by throwing dinner in the crockpot more often so that I can actually sit down with my kids in the afternoons after school and talk about their day, find out what they need, and to help them with their homework.
Congratulations! You are the lucky winner of the M.O.M. program! Please email me at jennifer.brimhall@powerofmoms dot com and I will arrange for your prize. If you do not respond in 72 hours, we will give the prize to someone else. Thanks for entering!
I think that Mind Organization for Moms would help me the most.I’m so scattered-brained, all over the place, overwhelmed most of the time. So I need all the help I can get in trying to figure out how to get and stay organized.
I can’t wait to read Master the Whirlwind! I’m so tired of having piles of paper and clutter all around me. I seem to be constantly working on managing it but it never goes away.
I downloaded the free ebook… And one way I’d like to be a more deliberate mother is to be more PRESENT when my kids get home from school…. so not on the computer, or reading or something… but actually being present with them and hearing about their day.
I downloaded your free ebook. I’m trying to be more deliberate in mothering by helping my 4 year old do chores more regularly. She does a little chore and I clean something nearby.
I had baby #6 4 months ago so it’s time to unplug the older kids and myself and get back to real life again. I LOVED focus on relationships month so much!!! Thanks Jordan!
Congratulations! You are the lucky winner of the virtual retreat! Please email me at jennifer.brimhall@powerofmoms dot com and I will arrange for your prize. If you do not respond in 72 hours, we will give the prize to someone else. Thanks for entering!
I like them on Instagram!
I already have the Virtual Retreat and use the Mind Organization for Moms everyday!! I hope to one day be able to attend a retreat in person!!
I also LIKED on facebook.
Wow I need this, I have rheumatoid arithitis and have been really struggling with keeping up and really need to get organized. I also liked it on Facebook!
I downloaded the book and am already a member of Power of Moms. I try to limit the number of places we have to go and stay home more since my kids are so little. Would LOVE to win!
I’ve been trying to really focus on what my girls and husband are needing or saying. I’ve tried to only look at Facebook, Instagram or what ever when the girls or my husband aren’t needing my attention. And I’ve noticed that doesn’t necessarily mean we are talking. But I need to be attentive, aware so that I can see those little clues that they need a hug, or may want to chat but just don’t know how to start. I want my true attention to be available. It’s been hard! But it’s worth it!
I also liked Power of Moms on pinterest!
I liked it on Facebook!!
I also liked Power of Moms on Facebook!
I’m following power of moms on Facebook!
I’m following power of moms on Instagram!
I’m following power of moms on PINTREST!
I downloaded the book. I’ve made a schedule for me and my kids so we have a plan for our day, and I don’t just let my kiddos sit around watching t.v. all day.
I also “liked” on fb.
I downloaded the Ebook. I’ve been trying to make eye contact with my kids when talking to them. And then to ask meaningful questions to what they’re telling me.
I’m already registered at power of Moms! I find that looking at my kids in the eye when they’re talking to me can really make a big difference!
I also follow their pinterest posts!
I downloaded the book and subscribed to her site!
I downloaded the book. I’m being more deliberate by getting up a half hour earlier each morning. It gives me time to prepare breakfast and sit down and enjoy breakfast with my children, It’s made such a difference! No more rushing and yelling to get out the door on time!
Downloaded the book, but will also checkout thePower of Moms site. I’m a new mom and am already feeling that the little bit of “us” time with my husband is filled up with TV and Facebook. Hoping he’ll get on board to disconnect during those few precious hours.
I follow FCF on Facebook.
I follow FCF on pinterest.
I downloaded the book. I am trying to be more aware with my kids. I find I tune out my 3 year olds non-stop talking and I wonder why she repeats things three times! I want to be there with my kids not just in the same room as my kids. Thanks for the reminder!
I downloaded the ebook, I’ve tried to be more involved with my two year old and not let my smart phone get in the way of giving her my attention. Also, as a family we try to unplug completely on Sundays so we are with each other without outside distractions.
Yeah!! Thank you so much!!
I downloaded the book. I am trying to only check emails and social media when the kids are asleep and I purposely do not have a smart phone.
I downloaded your ebook and I am looking forward to spending more meaningful time with my children!
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I registered at the website. I am trying to be more deliberate in planning outings with my toddlers, because they love when we go places and spend that time together.
I liked Power of Moms on Facebook.
I follow Power of Moms on Pinterest.
Am following on Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.
I downloaded the ebook. I have been trying to involve my children in my to-do list more. Also I am trying hard to recognize that it’s not about a clean house, but about how my relationships are with my family members at the end of the day.
I downloaded the ebook. I am trying to be a more deliberate mother by putting my cell phone away and focusing my attention on my daughter. She should not have to compete for my attention with electronics.
So hard! To unplug! I don’t even know why we do it to ourselves too because we see these “perfect” moms on social media when we secretly know they really are not because let’s face it no one can “do it all” and “have their stuff together” at the same time. I need to find a boot camp for unplugging.