When it comes to our jobs, we sometimes feel like we’re on a never ending shift. We’re Registered Dietitians, so that means, we share our knowledge about food and the effects it has on the body. Since everyone has to eat, and more recently, food is at the forefront of everyone’s radars, the conversation of food seems to be a constant one.
Today is a day known to Jewish people as Yom Kippur- the holiest, most religious day of the year. Today is a day where we repent our sins, and ask G-d for forgiveness. Today is also a day of fasting. (Confession here- I’m not that strong in the fasting department).
Tonight will mark my favorite synagogue service of the year. We will stand for one hour at a service called Nilah. Nilah marks the end of the 24 hour Yom Kippur fast. It is a very special hour (which I will miss because I am hosting 16 people at my house for the break fast), but what resonates for me, is the symbolism of Nilah. I think it very much parallels life. After you have fasted for 24 hours, it is custom at the Nilah service to stand the entire last hour when you are hungry, tired and dizzy. It is the ultimate test of your endurance. To be able to stand when you think you cannot.
It’s September- Back To School is in full gear. If you’re the mom of a teen, you know how tough the school year can be. Intensive AP classes. Mountains of homework. Sports practices that take hours. This seems to be the new normal, and that’s true whether your teens are headed for the local community college or a powerhouse university.
No wonder today’s kids say school has displaced family or peer problems as the greatest stressor in their lives.
Fall is in the air, which means the kids are back in school. If you’re a mom, that means more “me time.” More time to explore, reassess and figure out where you’re at, and where you’re headed. Perhaps this is your season to become a mompreneur. Women, if you are currently in a job you dislike, fall is a great time to start plotting your move. While spring is about cleaning and rebirth, so is fall. Fall is like one great giant haircut- the shedding of dead ends and making room for new and healthy hair to grow. Fall is a great time to tune-up your career.
Okay, today’s “On the fence” question: Do you sleep with your door open or closed?
Why I am asking, is because this weekend, I discovered one of the greatest sleep secrets known to man mom. It’s called… wait… here it comes…. I give you… SLEEPING WITH THE DOOR CLOSED. Winning!
Today and tomorrow, I will be in Temple with my family observing Rosh Hashanah- our Jewish New Year.
To my readers observing the holiday: I wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year. May this upcoming year bring you peace, contentment, and perhaps that jump off the fence. I don’t think I could do it better than President Obama.
When I met Soledad O’Brien for the first time in August at Blogher, in New York City, I was truly intrigued. She is the CNN anchor we watch daily cover hurricanes, disasters, and important news. Yet, when you speak to her in person, she has this other side. This aura to her. A sweet, fun-loving, and exceptionally charming side. To top it off- she’s a mom of four children. I loved her essence, and so I asked her for an interview. Her response, “I will never forget Women On The Fence. You have my word, I will give you an interview.”
Fall is almost upon us, and whether you’re a working girl or stay-at-home mom, here…
Today we celebrate the 3rd anniversary of a blog that was born out of feeling stuck, on the fence, alone, confused, and wanting to create a space for women to get inspired, get off the fence, grow, succeed and thrive. You have made that happen. I am grateful for this community who has stood by me in my darkest hours, my greatest triumphs, and given me a safe place to be authentic myself. You have also helped each other, and inspired each other into action. Never underestimate the power of a few simple words on a page.
Just as every mom has the moment she first laid eyes on her child indelibly tattooed on her cortex—you know, the part of your brain that, soon thereafter, spurts out Ohmigod it must be the plague the first time your baby gets a rash, or Ohmigod I can’t believe my precious little sweetheart just belted that kid in the kisser before you’ve even had a chance to open your mouth to deny it. Every mom remembers her first totally, irredeemably, irrefutably Sh*tty Mom Moment.
I help busy women (like you!) prioritize self-care so you can experience less stress, more calm and greater joy every day!
