Time has never flown by faster than it has these past few months. I can barely keep up with my day-to-day responsibilities, because the hours just seem to slip away.
It might have something to do with the fact that I’m gearing up for our studio’s spring recital and a new session of early childhood classes, managing a full student/client load, and running a business…all while living that #momlife (which includes very little sleep, thanks to a certain baby girl).
As a mom and business owner, I am constantly struggling with the tug-of-war between my family and work. I’m not talking about setting my priorities, because without question, my husband and children come first above everything else. I’m talking about the day-to-day stuff.
The “I could send this email really quick while Parker eats his breakfast” stuff. The “I should really put Mia in her crib rather than hold her a little longer while she sleeps so I can go record that song” stuff. Because there’s always stuff to be done, but never enough hours in the day.
Happy Leap Day! February 29 only comes once every 4 years, you know. It just so happens that this year, it falls on a Monday, which made it the perfect day to take a big leap in my life.
After my family, work has been the biggest priority for me over these last few (okay, many) months. And while it still remains among my top areas of focus, I’m putting another one right up there: my own health and fitness.
I used to be super health-conscious — we’re talking daily workouts and balanced meals — back in the day. But after Parker was born, I never quite regained the motivation I once had. Mia is 9 months old now, and I’m finally ready to get back to my healthy self.
I have my friend Crystal to thank not only for giving me the nudge I needed to make this decision, but also for doing it with me! We took the leap together this morning, starting our day bright and early with a workout in her basement. Buddy system for the win :)
The program we’re following includes meal plans and workouts, and we’re journaling our progress as we go. I’m excited to see how returning to a healthier lifestyle will affect not only my body, but my energy, mood and productivity, too.
I wasn’t feeling inspired in this area AT ALL when the new year began, but I think starting on Leap Day is much more fitting. Are you taking a leap of any kind today?
As you may remember reading earlier this year, 2016 is all about self-care, simplifying, and streamlining. I spent the last few days concentrating on that 3rd “s” word, and the result is what you are looking at right now.
I’ve been at a crossroads for quite some time when it comes to my online presence. Between this blog, my private practice, my personal site, and my podcast, I was starting to feel like an octopus trying to manage it all.
Not only that, but I wasn’t sure how to move forward with Listen & Learn Music. Since starting this blog almost 8 years ago, I’ve used it as a space to share the songs I write and my professional journey — along with my personal journey, too.
But as Listen & Learn Music has grown and become a resource destination, it didn’t make a whole lot of sense for the blog to serve as the landing page anymore. So I took a big leap, and now listenlearnmusic.com leads you directly to the store. That way, people in search of songs can quickly find what they are looking for without having to search through tons of blog posts. And people who want to read the blog can still easily do so, since there is a link right at the top of the page.
Mainly, though? I wanted to feel more comfortable continuing to write anything I want in this space without feeling like I always have to relate it back to my work. I mean, I usually do that anyway since my work is such a huge part of my life, but I needed that sense of freedom. So I renamed the blog, rewrote my about page, and gave myself permission to make this place mine.
Will I still write about my songs? YES. They are the heartbeat of this blog. Will most of the content here be tied to music therapy and my professional life in general? YES. But I’m excited to write more about what’s going on inside my head and heart, no matter what the topic.
Thank you, as always, for continuing to read as this site has evolved throughout the years. I always welcome your feedback, especially when it comes to the content you would like to see here. Feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment.
Before Mia was born, my friend Crystal told me about a photo shoot idea she had. Her daughter had gotten an American Girl doll-sized grand piano for Christmas — a tiny miniature version of the grand piano in their living room. When Mia began sitting up on her own, we created the vision Crystal had been planning for over a year!
Mia was such an angel through the whole shoot. I’m so grateful to Crystal for capturing her so perfectly and in such a meaningful way. Before I know it, she’ll be old enough to sit at that big piano (I can’t even let my brain go there right now) and I will look back at these photos to remember how tiny she once was.
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