Dear Readers,

This January, our theme is 'Inspiring Mothers.' We've shared stories about amazing mothers like Jo, Kristina, Annamaria and Ida. Jo's strong will, Kristina's brave move, Annamaria's touching story and Ida’s resilient journey all show the incredible strength and bravery of mothers. Now, let's try an exercise from the 'Women Rising Strong 2024 Workbook,' a tool designed to empower and inspire, that celebrates these qualities.

This month, I invite you to participate in a reflective and creative exercise:

1. Writing Prompt:

   - Reflect on this prompt: "What fears are holding me back from my goals? What can I do to confront these and take the next steps?" For example, if you're hesitating to start a new project, ask yourself what's holding you back. Take a moment to journal your thoughts, acknowledging your fears and envisioning actionable steps to overcome them.

2. Goal-Setting Activity:

   - Embrace the courage to try something new that could benefit your family life or your role as a mother. Learning a new skill can feel overwhelming, but remember, "most things are hard before they are easy. You need to be patient with yourself." Set a goal, with a start date and a target end date, such as learning a new language or mastering a new cooking technique.

3. Doodle Activity:

   - Decorate a shield with a personalized coat-of-arms. Choose elements that symbolize your values, strengths, and what you hold most important. Just like a shield protects, your values and strengths safeguard your family and guide your decisions. This creative exercise allows you to visually represent your resilience and the values that help you confront challenges.

After completing these exercises, I encourage you to share your experiences in the comments section. Which part of today's exercise resonated most with your experience as a mother? How did these activities make you feel? Did they help you gain a new perspective on your own strength and resilience? Your stories and reflections will not only enrich our community but also serve as inspiration for others.

Together, let's honor the spirit of inspiring mothers and the resilience within each of us.

Look forward to our next interaction, where we'll explore more facets of empowering and uplifting motherhood.

P.S. For all the incredible moms who connected with these exercises: there's much more where that came from in my "Women Rising Strong 2024 Workbook." Tailored for mothers seeking to deepen their journey of empowerment and resilience, this workbook offers a variety of monthly activities specifically designed to inspire and support you. Whether it's about embracing your strength, finding balance, or nurturing your personal growth, each page is a step towards embracing your full potential. Explore further and continue your empowering journey with the workbook, available at Amazon.

With love and empowerment to all mothers,

S.A. Sterling