Greetings! I’m Shonda Moore, a proud mother to a lively and fun-loving three-year-old boy navigating the beautiful chaos of family life. As the wife of a serial entrepreneur and a dedicated school site administrator for a non-public school, my days blend laughter, challenges, and meaningful connections.
In the midst of this vibrant life, I wear the hats of an entrepreneur and businesswoman, currently launching a startup marketing agency called We Brand U Social. The journey of balancing motherhood, marriage, career, and entrepreneurship has been both rewarding and demanding.
Allow me to take you on a personal tour through my experiences, where community and practical wisdom have been my guiding lights. I gave birth to my son a few weeks before the pandemic. Thankfully, I was able to have my husband and doula in the hospital by my side. Having lived the experience, I know many can relate to how isolating it was. Imagine that coupled with the typical postpartum challenges like breastfeeding and the rare form of cancer called Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (GTD).
Within this journey, the “Black Breastfeeding Mamas Circle Group” and the “Black Women’s Fertility, TTC, Pregnancy, and Childbirth Support Group” have been lifelines during the transformative stages of pregnancy and postpartum. These communities, alongside the “Mocha Mommy’s Club of Sacramento,” have guided me on parenting and educational ways to keep my preschooler engaged.
The shared experiences within these groups have reinforced the vital lesson of fostering a supportive network. Motherhood is a collective journey, and the strength found in unity is immeasurable.
The pandemic gave me the gift of being present with myself and my family. It became the lesson plan for creating balance and intentional time. Being a mother is one of my most rewarding experiences. Knowing how quickly time moves makes it critical for me to be present and active in my son’s life. I am delighted to share five tips I live by to create space for myself and my family.
1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establishing boundaries between work and personal life has been crucial in maintaining harmony. Clear communication with my school partners, colleagues, and family has allowed me to protect precious moments with my son.
2. Prioritize and Delegate: Identifying priorities at work and home has been a game-changer. Focusing on aligned goals and delegating responsibilities has created a more balanced and fulfilling life.
3. Manage Time Effectively: Utilizing time management techniques, such as Time Blocking, has enhanced productivity and allowed me to savor the joys of both family and work.
4. Communicate Openly: Open communication with my school partners, colleagues, and family has paved the way for flexible work arrangements, ensuring a harmonious integration of professional and personal spheres.
5. Take Care of Yourself and Seek Support: Prioritizing self-care has been instrumental in maintaining physical and mental well-being. Connecting with other working mothers and seeking support from online communities has been a source of shared wisdom and strength.
In conclusion, as I waltz through the intricate dance of life, I’ve discovered that the support of communities and the commitment to self-care are universal touchstones. Finding balance is a continuous journey, and each step toward equilibrium is a celebration worth cherishing.
My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Roque Neto for this opportunity to share my journey and to all readers joining me on this adventure.
Shonda Moore – Guest Blogger, Mother, Wife, Entrepreneur, and Founder of We Brand U Social
Roque Neto 