I’m part of a mom’s group that started as a friend wanting to connect to and help women. We were all strangers. Unless you count some limited contact in a mom centered FB group. Melanie started a private FB group for us and shared some of her amazing resources for us to get our lives Mostly Under Control. We meet virtually monthly. Typically this is done with an expert of some sort. Lately, as we’ve gotten to know each other more, it’s been just us supporting each other and gabbing a bit.

Most of us decided to throw caution to the wind when our fearless leader organized a mom’s weekend retreat sometime last fall. Melanie planned it all winter and just a month ago the eight of us met in person—many for the first time—at an amazing house in New Buffalo, MI. The plan was to refresh your body and mind in a way that felt right to you. What happened was a whole lot of unexpected togetherness and belly laughs.

FRIENDS 4 LYFE!

Yesterday in our group, Melanie posted an accountability graphic. It’s a way for each of us to set some goals and hopefully stick to them each week. We each filled it out and posted them for each other to see. Although it’s just been a day, it really is helping to keep me motivated.

Mine is pretty straightforward but it helped to focus my mind tonight. After dinner, I actually did some closing duties to reset my kitchen—as planned. Of course, it was made easier by the fact my cleaning lady had been here today. But upkeep has never been my strong suit so I’ll take the wins where I can get them. I worked on designing my conference presentation while at work. My husband and I have a date planned for Friday while the kids are safely stashed with family. I used Melanie’s Mindset Bullshit cards to set my focus for the week. And I have planned some self care that is arranged and on the calendar.

*let’s normalize therapy*

I’m not saying that this little exercise has revolutionized my life. But I can definitely see it making a difference in how I approach my days. It’s been a more focused day. I had some direction when I was floundering a bit. That felt good to me. And it’s something I would like to continue.