Get Up & Tie Your Shoes®

What Do I Want to be When I Grow Up?

GUTS23shoes — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:38:14 +0000

“You are never too old to begin a new journey. What do you want to be when you grow up?” These words serve as a powerful reminder that age is just a number, and it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and discover your true calling. At GUTS (Get Up & Tie Your Shoes), we believe that the best is yet to come for you, regardless of your age or life stage.

We are here to support you as you embark on your next chapter, helping you find your purpose and passion. Our programs and resources are designed to ignite your inner spark, unleash your potential, and guide you towards a life of fulfillment and meaning.

Whether you’ve spent decades dedicated to your family or pursued a different career path, now is the time to rediscover your passions and chart a new course. Our dedicated mentors and community of like-minded individuals are here to provide the guidance, encouragement, and inspiration you need to pursue your dreams with confidence.

So, what do you want to be when you grow up? Whether it’s starting a new business, exploring a creative pursuit, making a career change, or simply finding joy in everyday moments, we are here to help you uncover your aspirations and take actionable steps towards achieving them.

The journey may feel uncertain, but with the right support and mindset, the possibilities are endless. Embrace the excitement of a fresh start, embrace your wisdom and life experiences, and embrace the belief that you are capable of achieving greatness.

The best is yet to come, and together, we will navigate this new journey, helping you discover your purpose, ignite your passions, and live a life that truly fulfills you. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams, so let’s embark on this empowering journey together. The world is waiting for you to shine, and GUTS is here to guide you every step of the way.

Navigating the Last Year of Elementary School: Honoring G-Mom’s Memory with Positivity and Courage

GUTS23shoes — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:32:31 +0000

As the sun rises on a new school year, a bittersweet milestone marks the beginning of the last year of elementary school for our precious little boy. This year, however, holds a significant difference. It’s the first school year without his beloved grandmother, fondly known as G-Mom, who bravely fought a 16-month battle against Bile Duct cancer before entering her Heavenly home four months ago. While the absence of such a cherished figure can cast a shadow, our family’s journey is a testament to the power of positivity, faith, and courage in jumpstarting this year with love and resilience.

In the face of loss, it’s natural to experience a mix of emotions – grief, sadness, and longing. However, Ryker and I have chosen to honor G-Mom’s memory in a way that reflects the light she brought into our lives. By focusing on positivity, faith, and courage, I am trying my best to guide our son through this pivotal year while maintaining the connection to his G-Mom’s spirit.

Positivity shines through in the countless happy memories and moments shared with G-Mom. As he navigates through this school year, I always want to encourage him to recall the joyful times they spent together. We are going to create a “G-Mom’s Gratitude Jar” where he can write down his favorite memories and moments of wisdom received from his grandmother. This simple practice not only keeps her memory alive but also helps Ryker cultivate gratitude and optimism.

Faith serves as an anchor during times of uncertainty. My prayer is that I will share with Ryker the comforting belief that G-Mom’s love and guidance remain with him, even though she is physically absent. G-Mom always told him to hold his hand over his heart and she would be right there and we must continue to feel our loved ones’ presence in our hearts.

Courage is the driving force behind embracing new beginnings. Ryker’s journey through his last year of elementary school may be emotional at times, but I pray I can always know when I need to remind him of his inner strength and where it comes from and that is God, G-Mom and our family. I always want to encourage him to set goals and pursue interests that G-Mom would have been proud of. By channeling his courage, he can honor her legacy by thriving academically and emotionally.

As we write this new chapter together, I must continue to remember that grieving and healing is not linear. Some days may be challenging, while others are filled with smiles and laughter. By fostering an environment where open communication is welcomed, I hope to teach our son the importance of acknowledging his feelings and finding healthy ways to express them.

The last year of elementary school is a significant milestone, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Through positivity, faith, and courage, we are navigating this transition with grace. By carrying G-Mom’s love in our hearts and using her memory as a guiding light, we are instilling in him the resilience needed to overcome life’s challenges and to embrace the journey ahead with a sense of hope and strength. #memoriesforever #findingpurposethroughpain #ourforeverangel #dealingwithgrief #faithjourney

Juggling Being a Mom and Working

GUTS23shoes — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:31:27 +0000

Prioritize and Set Realistic Expectations: Determine your top priorities and focus your time and energy on what truly matters. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a day and set achievable goals for both your work and family life.
Establish a Routine: Create a consistent daily routine that includes dedicated time blocks for work, childcare, household chores, and personal self-care. Having a structured schedule can help you stay organized and manage your time effectively.
Communicate and Delegate: Openly communicate with your partner, family members, or support network about your responsibilities and work commitments. Delegate tasks and share the load to lighten your workload and create a supportive environment.
Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries between work and family time. Designate specific hours for work and communicate them to your employer, colleagues, and family members. Similarly, set aside uninterrupted quality time for your children and loved ones.
Flexible Working Arrangements: Explore flexible working options, such as working from home, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks, if your job and company allow it. This can provide more flexibility to manage both your work and family responsibilities.
Efficient Time Management: Maximize your productivity by using time management techniques such as prioritizing tasks, batching similar activities together, and utilizing productivity tools or apps to stay organized and focused.
Outsource and Seek Support: Consider outsourcing certain tasks or hiring help for specific responsibilities, such as childcare, cleaning, or meal preparation. Additionally, reach out to your support network, friends, or other moms who can provide guidance and understanding.
Practice Self-Care: It’s crucial to prioritize self-care to maintain your physical and mental well-being. Schedule regular “me” time to recharge, engage in activities you enjoy, practice self-care rituals, and seek support or counseling if needed.
Let Go of Perfectionism: Accept that you may not be able to excel at everything simultaneously. Embrace imperfections and focus on progress rather than perfection. Be kind to yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
Nurture Quality Time: Make the most of the time you spend with your children by being present and engaged. Create meaningful moments, establish rituals or traditions, and prioritize quality over quantity.

Remember, finding the right balance between work and motherhood is an ongoing process. Be patient with yourself, adapt as needed, and remember that you are doing an incredible job juggling these responsibilities. Embrace the journey, seek support when needed, and cherish the moments as you navigate the beautiful role of being both a mom and a dedicated professional.

Motivation

Jennifer Fredell-Sauicer — Wed, 17 May 2023 18:32:34 +0000

“You don’t need a catastrophic event to appreciate the good things in your life—but my gut says that if you picked up this book there’s a solid chance you’ve gone through (or are going through) one. What I want you to hear me say right here up front is, I get it. I’d like to look you in the eyes and tell you that you’re strong enough to survive this—even on the days that feels impossible. You are strong enough and it is possible to come out the other side as a better version of yourself.

Yes, I said better.

You must decide right now that while your hardship will beat you up and it may rob you of whole pieces, you will not lose yourself in the grief. It is possible to glean lasting, positive change from even the most terrible situations. You can come through your pain as someone better than you went into it.

When humans go through something hard, they react in one of two ways. They come out the other side either better or worse. It’s impossible to walk through hell and leave it the same way you went in. Nobody walks through fire unscathed. You either burn up into ashes or you get forged in the flames and emerge as something new.

So, what will you choose?

Will you allow this season that you’re in to wear you down and diminish you? Will you become bitter or angry? Will you live the rest of your life drowning in anxiety and fear of being hurt again? Will you allow loss to define you for the rest of your life? Or will you fight back?

Because make no mistake, this will be a fight. Finding your center again, reaching for joy, honing your strength, claiming your faith, having the courage to move forward when you’ve been battered and bruised? Those things will take every ounce of your ability and none of them is achieved quickly. It won’t be easy, but it is possible.”