photo credit: melissa haak

I did it.

Last Sunday I walked on stage in front of a sold out Chicago theater and lived FEARLESSLY.

I shared my story. I said every word with passion and vigor. I was confident, positive, passionate and strong.

The truth is…

I didn’t want to get off that stage.

I wanted to…

• Take my applause and then have a thriving conversation with the audience.
• Thank everyone for attending.
• Shout “Happy Mother’s Day Mom ~ I Love You” to my mom.
• Tell everyone sitting in that audience how freaking amazing it felt to be on stage.
• Give the audience an opportunity to stand behind the podium and share their truth.

I wanted there to be a next time.

In my piece, I talked about how I used to be carefree, how I used to live FEARLESSLY, and then…I become a mother. I continue on to share that once I became a mom, I just wanted to live in a bubble.

But you know what, sitting here trying to write this recap post, I’m finally seeing how fearless I still really am.

• I exposed my anxiety. Fearlessly.
• I auditioned for Listen To Your Mother. Fearlessly.
• I moved out of my comfort zone and made lasting connections with the cast. Fearlessly.
• I walked on that stage and never wanted to leave. Fearlessly.

Now I can say I have Motherhood Induced Anxiety and LIVE FEARLESSLY all at the same time.

Now I now…anything is possible.

 Self-care is not self-indulgence, it’s your birthright!

Every mom deserves daily nourishment and nurturing, so in honor of Mother’s Day, my inspiring friend Renee Trudeau and I are giving away the book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life. This book has fundamentally changed the way I live as both a woman and a mom.

How to Enter:

Write your favorite self-care activity in the comment section below.

The Prize!

A Self-Care Package filled with…

• A copy of the beautifully illustrated, award winning book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life from nationally recognized life balance expert, Renee Peterson Trudeau (both Renee and this book fundamentally changed my life)
• A free teleclass with Renee on The Transformative Power of Self-Care (learn more about Renee here)

Also Enter the Year-of-Self-Care Retreat Package Giveaway

This Mother’s Day you can also win a Yummy Mummy Year-of-Self-Care Retreat Package and enjoy nurturing, relaxation, nourishment, empowering coaching and inspiration for an entire year! The Year-of-Self-Care Retreat Giveaway includes:

• An all-expenses paid trip to Renee Trudeau’s Women’s Self-Renewal Retreat at Kripalu Yoga & Wellness Center in the Berkshires Mountains (includes program registration, all meals and lodging. Airfare not included); Value: $900
• A Personal Renewal Group Deluxe Starter Kit: includes a Personal Renewal Group Facilitator Membership and 10 copies of The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal: How to Reclaim, Rejuvenate and Re-Balance Your Life; Value: $749
• A personalized, high-level phone coaching session with one of our nationally-recognized Senior Career/Life Coaches; Value: $225
• A registration to the highly popular New Way of Being Telecourse with Renee Trudeau; Value: $99
• A vintage yoga soft, organic cotton Live Inside Out or I Choose Love t-shirt; Value: $20
• One-year supply of delicious and delightful Mighty Leaf Tea (various flavors); Value: $250
•  A beautiful hand-made string of 108 beaded Gemstone Serenity Beads for prayer or meditation from Elizabeth Irvine. Use these beads as a touchstone throughout your day to promote peace and serenity; Value: $250

Total value: $2700

How to win? From May 6th-12th, “Like” the Live Inside Out Facebook page and answer the question “What does self-care mean to you?” here.

I was so busy living my life out loud in April that I didn’t have a lot of time to write and blog about all of my experiences. Here are my April 2012 highlights…

1. I was happily working with the Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms team. I received these flowers from Kristine on the day DontSweatMoms.com launched.

2. I started learning the Wisdom of the Enneagram (I’m a 9).

3. I started tapping with my boys (which is also called Emotional Freedom Technique, or EFT).

4. I went to a Positive Focus Production workshop with Gary Quinn at the Bodhi Spiritual Center.5. I wrote my life mission statement (which is hanging above my desk and is now recited out loud every day).

6. I started a morning ritual with my boys. We light a candle, listen to relaxing music, and start our day with gratitude and intention.

7. I did art projects with my boys and we were busy destroying our Wreck This Journals.
8. I rehearsed with the amazing cast of Listen To Your Mother Chicago.

9. I spent the day relaxing at the Peninsula Spa.

It was a day I was counting down to and a day to remember. Last Monday, I was invited to a blogger event hosted by The Peninsula Chicago at The Peninsula Spa and Fitness Center.

I first receive a fabulous one-on-one personal training session. I started with a 5 minute warm up. As I warmed up my trainer reminded me that what I put into my mouth is just as important as what I put my body through when I’m working out. She gave me great on the go breakfast ideas such as making two protein shakes every other night for two consecutive breakfasts.

I did sliding plank jacks, high thrusts with weights, squat curl presses, and lunges. Wow. I wish I had a personal trainer to workout with everyday. She was motivational. Yes, I do need to someone to constantly remind me to engage my abs. Sad, but true.

After my workout, I had the Peninsula’s signature deeply relaxing neck, head, and scalp massage. According to LiveStrong.com, scalp messages help with headache relief, increased circulation to the scalp, a stronger feeling of well-being, and better sleep. I’m sure there were lots of benefits to the massage I received, but in the moment all I really cared about was being in an ultimate state of relaxation.

To my surprise, after my neck, head, and scalp massage, I receive a Peninsula foot treatment. Oh my goodness. Could it get better than this? When I was relaxing during my rejuvenating foot massage, I was secretly hoping it would never end. Foot massages are my all-time favorite!

After my amazing foot massage, I received a microcurrent eye lifting facial. From what I understand, this non-invasive eye lift, retrains the muscles around the eyes, which results in tighter and toner skin.

My last spa services was a group yoga session children’s entertainer and educator Miss Lori, lifestyle and wellness consultant Healthy Jasmine, Managing Editor of sassymomsinthecity.com Sassy Allison.

Afterwards, I had a healthy pool-side lunch with the other bloggers and the Peninsula Spa’s marketing team.

Sending out a great big thank you to the Peninsula Spa team for inviting me to this fabulous event and allowing me to experience so many of the Peninsula Spa’s unique services!

What are you exploring, dreaming about, and discovering this spring?

Twenty years from now
you will be more disappointed
by the things that you didn’t do
than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines.
Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails.
Explore. Dream. Discover.

photo credit: buymeposters.com

It’s official! I’ve taken a new role as the Community Manager for the online community Kristine Carlson is creating around her new book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms. Kristine is the co-author with her late husband Richard Carlson, of the bestselling Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff series, and is releasing the first Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff book in nine years.

Remembering Richard

Richard Carlson was considered to be one of the foremost experts on happiness and stress reduction in the United States and around the world. I can still remember walking into Borders, across the street from where I grew up, and seeing a spiraling display of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff books. I can remember smiling, with my heart soaring, that someone (Richard Carlson) not only GOT IT, but was able to share his universal truths with the world. I remember the buzz around this book and remember how Richard’s simple words were changing the world. I can literally remember holding his book and thinking – maybe, just maybe, one day I can inspire the world too.

Knowing Kristine

I was introduced to Kristine through the Queen of Self-Love and my spiritual and inspiration catalyst Christine Arylo. Kristine truly lives her life based on the Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff philosophy and has already taught me so much already about living with less stress and more joy.

Knowing Kristine, and reading an advanced copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms, has already made me a happier mom. First, I’ve been happier because I have been powered with my passion (Chapter 30). Working on the #DontSweatMom team fuels me and in return, I am able to share my passion and joy with my family.

Second, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms is a constant reminder that I don’t have to be the perfect mom. This book reminds me that it’s okay if I am not always “relentlessly kind, patient, wise, nurturing, good-tempered, inexhaustibly energetic, a fine cook, and home-maker”.

And yes, all moms can use a little reassurance that we are enough just as are.

About the Book ~ Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms

Kristine Carlson does an excellent job showing moms how they can live with less stress and more happiness. She shares tips and advice on how to:

• Nourish your spirit first
• Choose happiness and peace over stress
• Keep the lines of communication open
• Reclaim your family time
• Laugh (when all else fails)
• Feel sexy from the inside out
• Heal your body image and love your curves
• Surrender, trust, and let go
• And so much more!

Join Me! Become a Don’t Sweat Mom!

Being part of the Don’t Sweat Moms social media campaign has already been pure joy. I’d love for you to join me and the fabulous community of moms that are coming together to stress less and choose happiness more.

Click here to join the Don’t Sweat Moms social media campaign!

Connect with the Don’t Sweat Moms!

If you want to be part of the social buzz, you can:

• Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
• Watch and share the book trailer on YouTube.
• Join the Twitter conversation using the hashtag #DontSweatMoms.
• Like the I’m a Don’t Sweat Mom Facebook page.

In Joy,
Stacey

I’m blogging over at MyChicagoKids.com today about My Family’s Chicago Vacation at the Talbott Hotel.

You can read about our Chicago getaway, the Talbott hotel in Chicago, and the John Hancock Observatory here.
.

@EvolvingStacey Rehearsing for LTYM.

I’m in Awe…

I am in awe that I get to be in Chicago’s production of Listen To Your Mother with 13 other fabulous writers.

If you are not familiar with Listen to Your Mother, it’s a national series of live readings by local writers in celebration of Mother’s Day. This production is a “well-crafted journey that celebrates and validates mothering through giving voice to motherhood–in all of its complexity, diversity, and humor.”

We had our first all cast read-through last night…and let me just tell you it is going to be a show that is not to be missed! The cast and their stories are extraordinary!

The show is Sunday, May 6, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets go on sale this Thursday, March 29.

Introducing the 2012 Cast of Chicago’s Listen to Your Mother!

Co-produced by the amazing Melisa Wells and Tracey Becker.

Audrey Berns
Vanessa Druckman
Melissa Haak
Jen Hajer
Katy Jacob
Karen King
Stephanie Kush
Brandie Langer
Lou Lohman
Alisha Sommer
Megan Stielstra
Nancy Syburg
Judy VanHoose
Stacey Weckstein
Hyacynth Worth

]]> http://evolvingstacey.com/listen-to-your-mother-1/feed/ 2 http://evolvingstacey.com/help-me-win-im-a-finalist-for-divas-n-designs-20000-most-outrageous-mom-cave-contest/ http://evolvingstacey.com/help-me-win-im-a-finalist-for-divas-n-designs-20000-most-outrageous-mom-cave-contest/#comments Fri, 16 Mar 2012 18:12:59 +0000 Stacey http://evolvingstacey.com/?p=9021

Oh my goodness…I’m so excited! So excited that I had to do the happy dance on my lawn when I heard I was a finalist for Divas N’ Design‘s $20,000 Most Outrageous Mom-Cave Contest!

I can’t stop dreaming about having a mom cave, let alone a $20K mom cave. First things first…

I NEED YOUR HELP TO WIN!

You can help me WIN my $20,000 (yes $20,000) Mom Cave by voting for me (I promise it only takes 5 SECONDS). It’s easy peasy:

1. Click here.

2. Click on the thumbs up icon.

That’s it! I promise it will only take 5 seconds to vote.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Think you have an outrageous story too? You can enter to win this amazing prize by submitting your story and photos on Mom-Cave.com.  The most outrageous stories will be highlighted weekly, on the Divas N’ Design Facebook.  The winner will be announced on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2012.

They highlighted my story on their Facebook today…

Here’s My Most Outrageous Mom-Cave Entry…

A MOM CAVE FOR MY BODY, MIND, & SOUL
by Stacey Weckstein

I Deserve a Mom Cave that Feeds My Soul
I hunger for and crave a mom cave for my physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Most of the time, when I look at any given room in my house I think “this is not me…this space does not represent who I am and all that I stand for.

Words that come to mind when I think of my house are: clutter, cleaning, dishes, laundry, mail, paper, and stuff. I want a space – a mom cave – that represents who I am and all that I stand for.

Words that come to mind when I think of my dream mom cave are: Body. Mind. Spirit. Possibilities. Love. Harmony. Connections. Sparkles. Giving. Awareness. Imagination. Energy. Spa. Meditation. Balance. Radiance. Celebration. Earthly. Inspiring. Retreat. Recharge. Renewal. Nourishment. Soulful.

It’s an Outrage
It is OUTRAGROUS that I do not have space in my house to call my own. It is OUTRAGEOUS as a mom I’m supposed to put my “oxygen mask” on first before assisting others…but as a mom I don’t have my own “oxygen mask” at home.

My dream mom cave would be the oxygen mask I’ve been searching for.

I’m a Mom….and So Much More
As a mom, I’m a cook, a healer, a tailor, a protector, a planner, a play date maker, a money machine, a sounding board, a punching bag, an activity director, a personal shopper, a chauffeur, a walking encyclopedia, a maid, a bed time reader, a soul whisperer, and dream maker.

I love it. Motherhood is the job I signed up for, but it’s also exhausting. Motherhood expands my heart beyond measure…and it requires a mom cave. A mom cave, a place I can go to retreat, to escape, to relax, and recharge. A place where I get to be a mom and so much more.

A mom cave would allow me to be Stacey, a blogger, an entrepreneur, an artist, a reader, a meditator, a yogini, a music listener, a writer, a dancer, and a dreamer…in the comfort of my own home. A-m-a-z-i-n-g.

I Need Space to Rejuvenate
I deserve a mom cave…a place that allows me to recharge body, mind, and spirit. I deserve a mom cave because I am the heart of my house. I need a rejuvenating space, my own personal retreat, so I can refuel and give my children with the nourishment they need each and every day.

Because I’m Worth It!
I deserve a mom cave…a place that represents my aspirations and my inner truth. My boys have their play space and my husband has his fishing and camping space. Now it is time for me to have my mom space – a space that inspires me, relaxes me, and re-energizes me.

I deserve a mom cave that feeds my soul.

If you want to vote…

1. Click here.

2. Click on the thumbs up icon.

Thank You!

Dear God, It’s me, Stacey…and I think I have an eating disorder. I think my body image is warped and I think I may be addicted to food.

I need help.

Weight Watchers International partnered with me, inspired me, and sponsored my Weight Watcher’s meetings. I lost weight…until I sabotaged myself by not going to meetings, by choosing unhealthy foods, and by over eating.

I need help.

It horrifies me to write this. I feel so exposed and ashamed for not being able to control what I eat.

I’m seriously wondering if I should attend an Overeaters Anonymous (OA) meeting. Perhaps these meetings would help. Intellectually, I know Overeaters Anonymous is not just about eating and weight loss. I know it’s also about physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. But if I was to show up to one of these meetings, I could no longer hide the fact that I have a problem with food. I’d have to face my problem. I’d have to change my ways.

It was this picture that led me write this blog post. Someone posted this picture on Facebook today (it’s a picture of me with the amazing Beth Rosen at Chicago’s Go Red event).

I don’t even recognize myself in this picture. I look at this picture and all I see is that Jabba the Hutt has swallowed my face.

That is not me. That body does not represent who I am and all that I stand for.

Dear God, it’s me, Stacey…what do I do next?