6 Mamas That Will Inspire You

I think the more we open our minds and our hearts... the more we become inspired.  I have never felt that fire in me as I have in the past year and a half.  But to get there, I have to strip it all down and start from the beginning.  I had to learn how to open my mind.  The process was grueling and lots of self-checks asking the real tough questions regarding "priorities, faith, character."  Now, I burn for so many things that have taken over my heart... my compassion is different.  It is altogether encompassing.  And I love to feel the heat of that fire.

In a world where we are bombarded by information, advice, stories, advertisements and the details of what everyone is doing at that given moment... it can be overwhelming.  And with social media literally at our fingertips... anything you want to fill your mind with is possible in a matter of seconds.  Social media can get a bad rep but for me it is this simple: it can be whatever you make it out to be.  And I want to inspire others.  But, what I have found is inspiration... everywhere.  And true friends.

I want to share some mamas with you that inspire me on a daily basis. And these are just a handful of women that inspire me... there are many more! Their stories are real and raw and moving. They have also had a few words change their lives.  They have been faced with difficult decisions. They have had heartbreaks... and they also have triumphs.  They are survivors and in my eyes... they are heroes.  The one thing they all have in common, they have found happiness and joy regardless of their situation.  

They have stepped out into the public eye to share their stories with all of us. That's not easy to do... and they do it to encourage, inspire and open minds. And I thank God for all of these women setting a wonderful example of poise, grace and faith.  Meet my friends...     

Heather

I want to start with this mama because she is in the middle of a fight.  She is fighting to raise money to take her son several states away to see a specialist that has agreed help her son.  Cooper was born with achondroplasia (like Lilah) and is currently measuring in the top 95% for head growth on the achondroplasia charts.  There is a legitimate concern for hydrocephalus (water on the brain) and the need to see this particular doctor is paramount.  She has set up a "go-fund-me" website where anyone can donate to help this cause. If you only read about one of these mamas (no! keep reading!), I wanted it to be this story because they need your help.

In her own words:

Cooper's Go-Fund-Me website
Heather's Blog
Cooper's Crusade Facebook Page
Instagram: heatheryv76

Jade

I haven't known this mama for very long but I feel like our souls have always been connected. This mama is wise beyond her years and has such a calm persona, a nurturing way about her and is such a ray of light-- she brings happiness to all of those around her.  She is doing amazing things in the world of advocacy in such a short amount of time!  I am so proud of her for teaching others all about dwarfism in the best way possible... by leading with love... not only in her homeland of Australia, but all around the world.

In her own words:

Jade's Website
Floyd-Henry Facebook Page
Women's Weekly Feature
Floyd-Henry's VIDEO
Instagram: jade_audrey_love

Abra

This mama I met via Instagram, but now are lifelong friends.  I saw a prayer request sent out by one of my friends in San Diego... turns out this mama is a friend of a friend of a friend. And miraculously... we live an hour away from each other.  Let me just say... she has the most incredible, unwavering and real examples of faith that I have ever witnessed.  She taught me "you come as you are."  She uses her whole self to fulfill His word and purpose for her.  I love to watch this mama in action... she's a dreamer like me and she goes after those dreams in full force.

In her own words:

Abra's Blog
Praying For Naomi Facebook Page
Instagram: thegiftoftoday

Tara

This mama is such a go-getter.  I mean, I think I don't sleep much... but there is no way she sleeps.  She is relentless (in such a good way) in the advocacy that she spreads in Canada and around the world for Down syndrome and for the love of her daughter Pip.  I love how she dreams big-- the next thing you know she is on a mission to have Pip on the Ellen Show, she's got a t-shirt line and she's on the news.  Oh, that was all within the last few weeks.  Last year her daughter was in heart failure.  This year, we are in celebration mode over the joy that Pip brings to everyone.  I dare you to try not to smile when you look at her picture.  Impossible.  

In her own words:

Tara's Website
Happy Soul Project Facebook Page
Instagram: happysoulproject

Chelley

Chelley has been a driving force in my journey with dwarfism awareness and education.  She is often the words I wish I could say, the determination I wish I had and a huge influence in this movement of equal rights for those of short-stature.  She is so passionate about reaching people, raising thought-provoking conversations and standing up for what is right.  She is not afraid to show her weaknesses and vulnerability but she is strong as an ox.  I am grateful for her.

In her own words:

Chelley's website
A is for Adalaide
Instagram: martinkadeluxe

Beth

I first learned about Beth and two of her beautiful children about a year ago... And I don't know how on Instagram we found each other but I will never forget she said, "I feel like I hit the Instagram jackpot when I found Lilah!"  And the thing is... it was me that hit the jackpot by being invited into their lives.  I love to watch Coco & Livvy in their everyday happiness.  Such joy!  So proud of this mama for all she has been through and all she does for those with special needs (and their mamas.)

In her own words:

Beth's Website
Parents Magazine Article
Instagram: lilcocobea

Dear Hollywood...

Do you ever get caught up in the world and you just go along on what seems like a merry-go-round... and every now and again, you see or hear about something that doesn't sit well with your soul... but the ride keeps spinning and you are nervous to jump off?

Yes, it is easier to go along with everyone on the ride and do what they are doing... it takes so much courage to jump.  Which is why I think more often than not, we stay on that ride.

That ride is Hollywood.  It is the movies we watch, the shows that are in our living rooms every night, the stars we know everything about, the magazines telling us who to look like and what to wear, the musicians filling our heads with words.  It is everywhere.

I am stepping off that ride and I have an open letter to read... ahem...

Dear Hollywood,

I want to tell you something... something is not sitting well with my soul.  I would like for you, Hollywood, to take one moment and step outside of your bubble and step into mine.  Sometimes, it is just easier to understand if you look at someone else's perspective.  And that is what I am kindly asking you to do.

I am not here to be rude or put up a fight.  I just want to share something that make my heart hurt... and when the world is agreeing with you by supporting your movies, your stars, your magazines, your musicians... I am saying, "Stop for just a moment... I have something that needs to be heard."

I know you are so busy with the Oscars this weekend... but let's talk about that.  The movie, Wolf on Wall Street, that you have nominated for Best Picture... there is a scene in this movie where "dwarf tossing" occurs.  Little people are used as darts and thrown onto a dartboard for the amusement of others.

Let's let that last sentence sink in.  Little people are used as darts and thrown onto a dartboard for the amusement of others.

Even the writer of the film admitted to how awful this scene is and how it reinforces the preexisting societal stereotypes of little people... but yet he still went forward with this unnecessary scene.  (See his interview here.)  The Little People of America pleaded with the director to take out this scene, but they ignored them. You ignored them Hollywood.

So, Hollywood... I know what you are thinking... so what?  It's a movie.  Just because it happens in a movie doesn't mean anything.  And, I can do whatever I want.

I understand where you are coming from, and before I had my daughter, born with dwarfism, I would have perhaps thought the same way.  And while you are entitled to do what you want... you are sending messages to millions.

Here's the thing.  A scene in a movie with little people is very influential for our society and the treatment and views towards little people.  Why?  Because, dwarfism is rare.  (1-25,000 to 40,000 people are born with this genetic condition.  80% to parents that are average height.)  It is unlikely that the average person will have many experiences with a little person in their lifetime.  And so, what is portrayed on TV may be their only exposure to people with dwarfism. And aside from the two reality TV shows featuring little people and Peter Dinklage... Wizard of Oz, seven dwarves and a Miley Cyrus performance may be it.  Oh yeah, and The Wolf of Wall Street.

As a mama, I want my daughter to have equal opportunities in her life.  Of course... don't we all want our children to be treated equally?  What if, someday, the person interviewing her for a job has only seen a little person in a dwarf tossing scene?  Will she be taken seriously?  Or worse, what if someday she is mistreated because of her genetic condition?  What if she is ridiculed, singled out or patronized?

I understand that I cannot prevent these things from happening and I know in my heart that they will happen. I also know I need to raise her so she has confidence in herself and knows how much she is loved.  And that-- we will do.  But I also believe that you have to stand up for what is right and wrong and it is in those moments of the craziness of that merry-go-round we call life when something hits a nerve and you realize... it just isn't right. And as her mama, I will stand up for her because that's what we all do as mamas.  We love and we love and we love... and we also try to make the world a better place for all of our children when we see an opportunity to do so.

Hollywood, we really do have a long way to go before those with dwarfism are treated equally in our society.  It makes me sad when you produce something that so many people will see and perhaps laugh at.  Or not think twice. I wish for every negative exposure you would provide at least ten positive exposures.  Little people need to be seen as they are... as doctors and lawyers and teachers and mamas and friends. Not as silly characters.  Or play things or anything less than human beings. And yes, it also takes little people to stop taking condescending roles... absolutely.

And your Oscars night will go on with the glitz and the glam and the celebrities patting themselves on the back for another "great" year in movies... But... if this letter doesn't make it to you Hollywood or if it gets ignored again... I hope someone somewhere between me and you reads this and thinks twice about supporting your film.  Wolf on Wallstreet is not the Best Picture.  It is a shame.  And it is ok to say, "No, thank you."  Not anymore.

Sincerely,
Leslie
Just an average mama 2,000 miles away from Hollywood

Here's my family...

Snow Go

So you know that part in Winnie the Pooh where Pooh's tummy is soooo rumbly and he can't think of anything but honey no matter how hard he tries?  And then every word coming from everyone's mouth in his mind becomes... "honey... honey, honey, honey, hoooooonnneeeyyy."  Yeah, well that was what the start of this new year was like except it wasn't as sweet as honey... it was boatloads of snow.  Snow, more snow, snowing, still snowing, snow everywhere, snow crazy, snow joke.  

Turns out, I actually like snow.  And this snow was beautiful.  The kind of snow that hangs on to each branch for dear life and lingers there for days.  The kind of snow that glistens with each ray of light.  The kind of snow that makes you feel like you are in a real-live snow globe.  I loved it.

But... it definitely put a PAUSE on life.  Our normal-ness was gone and in its place was a homebound family not use to being so... homebound.  And in my go-go-go pattern, I was itching to get this year started off in a way that was just-so and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't compete with nature.  

Looking back, I think God knew that the entire Midwest just needed one more week to catch up on sleep, take down Christmas decorations, eat extra cookies and chocolate and steal more and more snuggles with those sweet babes.  That blanket of snow was just a reminder to slow down, focus on what is important and give yourself grace.

And so, I embraced a delayed start to 2014... and savored in these special moments that would have never happened otherwise...

Here's what we did with the Blizzard of 2014... we played, my husband shoveled, there was one rescue when the snow was too deep, we went on sled rides, climbed mountains, drank lots of hot cocoa, and bundled up.

I am hoping that you are enjoying your start to your new year whether you are off and running or taking a slow start.  Cheers!

One Little Word

2014.

It is intimidating to look at that number and see a blank page.  What to type... anything could come next.  But the impact of what does come next is truly profound.  Hopes, dreams, desires, goals... all in the form of resolutions.  What if I told you that for 2014, you could have one word?  Just one.  And it would have to sum up what you want for yourself for the entire year.

Change.

Looking back, I would say this was my word last year.  And I was fierce this time last year.  I took a good-long-hard-look in the mirror and thought about the person looking back at me.  I would say that I stripped back all the layers and got down to the bottom of myself.  I was relentless on the criticism finding so much about myself that I didn't like.  That process in and of itself was grueling... but, it ultimately lit a fire deep inside.  And so... I vowed to change.  For myself.  I started with resolutions, and then when I realized these had failed me over and over each year which led me to where I was at the time... I threw this tradition out the door because... not this time.  Not this time would I fail at change.  I then came up with what I called good ol' fashioned goals.  And these goals became my mantra for the year.  (Read last year's post Resolutions/Schmezolutions here).

My first step was to admit that I didn't have all the answers.  And with this admission, for me, came an eagerness to learn.  I wanted my mind to stretch so far that it couldn't go back.  I wanted to be so influenced that I couldn't help but to act.  I wanted to break down barriers and build foundations to new ideas in their place.  So I began to seek.  What I found was remarkable.  I found people.  Stories. Experiences. Perspectives.  And the thing is... with each one, my heart grew an ounce to make room for them.  I found myself loving.  I found myself living.  I found myself.

Thank God for 2013.  It was a tedious process... a tumultuous journey and oh-so lovely and rewarding. And the thing is... once you start changing, you never really stop.  Inspiration and determination have taken up permanent residency inside my head.  But, it is the small tidbits of wisdom I have collected over the last year that remind me that we can learn from all situations.  It is what we take away that holds the true power.  We are all walking our own journeys, what we choose to see along the way is up to us.

And knowing that I get to build from everything I have gained over the last year makes this year a lot more sweet to slip into.  But, that one-word challenge.  That was so much more difficult than I could have ever imagined.  Hundreds of words passed through my head and with each one, I stopped to try it on for size looking at it from every angle, examining it until I was left shaking my head and thinking, "No, that word will just not do." And then I found it.  My word for 2014.  And I will admit, that I tossed this word aside also.  And later when I came back to it, I realized I was afraid of this word.  It comes with big shoes... much bigger than my own.  I was worried I would fail at this word.  But, I soon decided that it was in my heart and chosen for me by Him, so it had to be right.

Give.

Everyday is a gift.  We know this.  But we forget this.  And when we are forced to remember this in the wake of a serious situation... we once again look at life as a gift, as it is meant to be viewed.  And this is when we can truly appreciate life one day at a time.  I love the saying, "Do something great today, you exchanged a day of your life for it." And so, this year I hope to add an element of giving to our everyday lives and challenge ourselves to reach beyond our comfort zone and find new opportunities to serve and give.  I want to keep this word in the forefront.  I want to give my children my full presence when I am with them.  I want to give my husband a full commitment to teamwork as we parent together.  I want to give myself forgiveness when everything goes array and remember to laugh in moments that just aren't worth fretting about. I want to give back to my community for all the grace and love they have given us over the past year.  I want to give hope to strangers and encourage wherever and whenever I can.  I have lots of little ideas and big ideas that will hopefully allow for lots and lots of giving throughout the year.

And now a fresh start.  A chance for a deep inhale of the intoxicating fumes of possibilities in the new year.  A clear mind, a focused goal and a lot of gusto... and here we go 2014.  Let's do this.

I would love to hear from you!  What's your one little word?

And how about some Christmas outtakes just for fun?!

Perfect

Today was perfect.

Which is funny, because it didn't really have any potential to be perfect.  But looking back, it was just that.  And some days, you know they are going to be special days... whether it be something really fun planned with family or friends or a special occasion.  Today was a mess of a day.  Snowed in, plans ruined, husband away for work and a whole-lotta-craziness, all of course unplanned.

And then something really special happened... I had a revelation.  And it started like this...

I am kind of a sucker for sentiment (that is an understatement...) and since I LOVED my childhood... I often want to recreate moments I had as a little girl, for my own children.  I remember making gingerbread houses with my mama.  And this December, I was excited to start this new tradition with Clay.  And with a snow storm looming, I just happened to slip a gingerbread house kit into the shopping cart and chalk it up as the "just-in-case-we get-snowed-in" activity. Snow day happened... and I was excited to have a Plan B.  So I set out all the different dishes each brimming with Christmas colored candy just waiting to be a part of this glorious gingerbread house.  I showed Clay how to put the icing on the roof, and then... it happened.

Apparently, we had different ideas of what the house should look like. And the battle within my conscious began.  One side of my brain reaching out my hands while the inner voice was yelling at me, "He's not doing it right.  He's being messy.  Help him!  Save the house!" The other side snatching my hands back in, "Let him be.  It will be just fine because he is having fun. The house will look great because he is making it."  And then after two icing dots and two gumdrops (randomly placed I might add), Clay turns to me and says, "I'm done."

Well shamefully, the naughty conscious won today because I said, "No, no... we have lots more to do."  And I took that icing bag and iced the whole dang house by myself and he added lots more candy.  And so for today, it was a compromise of his 3-year-old-ness and my perfectionism.  Admittedly... I needed to just let him be but I saw more fun to be had... and more fun happened.  And we were both happy with the end result until he looked at the box the kit came in and looked at our gingerbread house and a sad look crossed his face and he says, "But ours doesn't look like the one on the box."

No son... it doesn't.  But, ours is perfect.  And I realized... it is perfect because we love it just the way it is.

This word perfect... it has me thinking today.  I used to look at this word as rigid, someone else's standards, unachievable and at a high cost.  It was negative.  It was someone bragging.  It was unrealistic.

In this last year... I have learned so much about perspective and looking at life differently.  When I found out about Lilah's dwarfism diagnosis, society was telling me that she was imperfect.  That her genetic condition was undesirable.  That she would be physically different and there would be a stigma attached to that.  And then when I met her... all I could think of was how perfect she was.  She wasn't broken or anything less than.  Nothing about her was undesirable to me and her differences were what made her unique.  That's when this word changed for me.  It no longer meant someone else setting the standards, it became positive and attainable.  Perfect is what you make it out to be.  Perfect is when everything feels just right.  Perfect is what you create.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above" James 1:17

And so, we carried on our perfect-mess-of-a-wonderful-unplanned-day of playing in the snow, visiting with great friends & neighbors and of course... lots of snuggling.  It really was... perfect.