Shapeshifting Priorities | A Mother’s Day Reflection

As anyone would guess, life has changed dramatically since becoming a mom. For years I prioritized my full time role as a business champion and much of my energy was given to small businesses, owners and teams who were looking for growth. It fueled me and I was immersed in growing a company businesses would call first, refer often, and respect. Given our track record for growing mostly by referral, we certainly succeeded at that.

Through it all I know the companies and lives I have had the privilege of working with and touching have not just impacted me. Whether it was through a website or online strategy, speaking on a topic I am fond of, or just encouraging them in their endeavor, I can trust that my, albeit sometimes small, impact on them has had a ripple effect as well. 

Today, as I reflect on being a full-time caregiver to an incredible toddler who isn’t looking for growth but growing anyway, the shift in priorities has been full throttle. Experiencing her development alongside her, I recognize that the energy I spend giving to her will always have a return and I will never have to guess about that.

Recently I had conversations with two business women who I didn’t immediately realize needed to hear me say ’no’, and that saying ’no’ is ok. Having learned years ago to trust and honor my intuition and decline a project or work when needed, today it is easier for me to use that muscle. But as someone who has been in business since 2009, the maturity that comes with 15 years has also stabilized my core and foundation so that muscle never fatigues by doing what is in alignment for me.

What once was inspiring to me and probably others as I networked, grew, spun plates and took bulls by the horns is now shapeshifting into inspiration to slow down and refocus time and priorities. The world might say I’ve digressed, but what I know in my heart is that I have progressed. By sharing the lessons I’ve learned and countless stories with others I’ve found a new level of fulfillment. 

You see, time is our greatest commodity. No amount of time can be regained. We can’t save it in a bank or spend what we have now later. How we spend this hour, day and week is what it is. So, when I trade time now for money, climbing and striving, a bigger bank account, or status I might have those things for a while, but all of that is for what? More money, a little “security”, or a name or face people know?

That is why Propel has always fulfilled me. Because I was never climbing, looking for status or striving to quadruple my bank accounts by taking advantage of company’s budgets. My goal has always been to come alongside the entrepreneur and small business owners who were struggling or trying to gain traction. My mission was to support, build structure, strategize and teach and I believe I have succeeded in that, too.

But today, when I give my time for reading, giggling, nourishing, teaching, playing, bonding, learning, connecting, growing, and making memories, I can rest assured that time IS actually banked. I will have those memories for the rest of my life, and I am building and raising up a little girl who will become a fiercely capable woman.

All that to say, Propel’s flame may be a little slower of a burn these days, but the pilot light is still lit. We continue serving our clients with excellent service, high standards and loyalty.

At the same time, and even more importantly in this season, my mom flame is crackling and maintaining a steady roar.

And there is no sign of either fires ever going out!