How many mothers have big projects they want to accomplish? My guess is that you’d be hard-pressed to find a mother WITHOUT a big responsibility or goal. Maybe it’s getting the emergency kits together. Maybe it’s writing a book or planning a vacation or figuring out a way to totally organize the house once and for all. Sometimes life can be challenging, but that’s okay! The fun is in the challenge. The fun comes when you put in all the hard work and the late nights and you realize that you’re actually moving forward with your tasks, your goals, and your dreams.
I have a picture to show you, but I must say that it is a bit embarrassing to post it on the site for all to see. It dates back to 2007, when I was brainstorming The Power of Moms and trying to figure out how I could possibly create a site that would have the influence I envisioned. I had put together a Word document with the basic website copy and sections all mapped out with little internal hyperlinks, but I also wanted to start dreaming up the look of the homepage. With my non-existent graphic design skills, and a very basic understanding of Word’s auto-shapes, I made this:
I know, I know…my husband and I already had a good laugh over this. I didn’t know what I was doing, and I certainly didn’t think this would be my finished product, but I needed somewhere to begin. And now look at the site. With help from my friend Jean, and then with the addition of many hours from Saren’s husband, Jared, we ended up with a beautiful website that is only going to grow and improve from this point on.
The message I’m trying to send here is that in order to begin something great, you don’t have to do everything perfectly from the start. My mom always said, “Begin! The rest is easy.” If there’s a book you’d like to write “someday,” then don’t wait for your life to slow down so you can write it. Just start brainstorming it on a little notepad in the kitchen. While food is heating in the microwave, you can jot down a few great ideas. If there’s a class you’ve been dying to take at the local college, don’t put it off, assuming that someday you’ll have more time to think about it. Start a little file folder where you can collect information about the times that the class is offered, who teaches it, what babysitters might be able to help you, etc.
There are too many things that we put off because the task seems overwhelming. If what you’d like to do really isn’t that important, then it’s fine to postpone it until later, but if there is something that you know you’re meant to do, that you know will add richness and purpose to your life, and that you know can make a difference, then just begin.
QUESTION: Is there a project lurking around in your life?
CHALLENGE: Just begin it!
Rachelle says
Submitted on 9-9-2010 at 09:12pm
Thanks for the reminder, I’m off to go tackle something BIG!
Anna Jenkins says
Submitted on 9-7-2010 at 01:52pm
Thanks April! Perfect timing. Husband is on a business trip and it’s the perfect time to “begin” my MOM. You rock.
Melanie Vilburn says
Submitted on 9-6-2010 at 08:34pm
April,
What amazing timing you have! In the steeple chase of life some jumps can seem insurmountable! You’re like a cheerleader on the “Women of God Squad!”
Rebecca says
Submitted on 9-6-2010 at 12:31pm
“The walk of a thousand miles…” and “Once begun is half done!” So true. I am grateful to see your graphic design. I tend to be a perfectionist, so that inhibits my starting–and consequently, FINISHING–a lot of things. One thing you definitely have, April, is VISION as illustrated by your design… and the other, much grander, fruits of your labors. Thanks for sharing!
April Perry says
Submitted on 3-16-2010 at 10:08pm
I’m so glad you started writing your book! How’s it coming!
Sandee Harrah says
Submitted on 1-30-2010 at 11:25pm
Thanks so much for sharing this motivation to just begin. Boy did I need to hear that, and today I finally did just that, began my book, and already on page 50! Thanks so much for your inspiration!
Allyson Reynolds says
Submitted on 1-27-2010 at 10:51pm
I love your for posting your graphic design skills! It does help me to realize that all great things begin with one small step. Thanks for “beginning” this wonderful website!
Catherine Noorda says
I loved that, April! Thanks! I always have a long list of goals and big ideas that I’m dying to try with my family, alone, or with my husband but I put them off and feel like I don’t have time. I’m excited to jump in and just try some new things. For starters, I’m going to sign my husband and myself up for a history class at the community college. We’ve always wanted to take one!
April Perry says
Thanks so much, Catherine! I’m excited about your history class. I’ve got to sign up for a ballroom dance class. I stink at dancing with a partner, and my husband is so good at it. It’s nice to know that we don’t have to be perfect right from the start!